I`m considering buying either a new Yamaha 841, or a used Loree priced the same as a new Yamaha 841.

I`d go for the Yamaha, but I recall reading that they may be more likely to crack than other makes of high quality oboes. Anyone know if this is true? Maybe there are more Yamaha oboes made, so there are more that crack, but percentage-wise they have the same crack history of other makes of oboe.

Oh, I`m also assuming that a several year old used Loree oboe, that has no cracks, is less likely to crack than a new Loree.

yes, and I can say that an old Loree is better than a new Lorée because you have to grind the Lorée.

I have just purchased and 841 and it`s awesome. The professor at the university James Mason will only play on a yamaha oboe and most students have switched to them. They are the most bang for your buck and seemed to be easier to keep in tune then loree`s. You never have to worry about your forked f being out of tune.