I know generally what I want, but I find it awfully confusing to do all of the make and model research, because to me, they're all the same, but different. I've read the guides, bu now I just want personal knowledge.

I want an oboe with all of the keys. A couple of trill keys don't matter, but the left F and lot Bb key are needed 9along with others I may not have mentioned). I'm currently on a student oboe, and it limits me. I dislike it more and more every day.

I don't need/want a Loree, unless it's one of the cheaper ones. I hear that Loree and Fox are both good. I guess my price range is around 4k at the most. (I'm paying for half)

Wood or plastic? I have no idea! Wood expands and contrasts, but has (rumored) a better tone... I'm stuck on that.

Any suggestions?

4k would be about enough to get a pro Yamaha. New, they usually cost about $4,600, though you might be able to find a gently used one for less than that. I would get the 831 instead of the 841. They're excellent oboes. My teacher, who is a member of the Nashville Symphony, has been using one for years.

If you get a wooden oboe, you'll have to break it in (if it's new), and there's a good chance you'll have to get a crack or two repaired at some point, but the tone really is much better than plastic.

If you don't want to deal with a wooden oboe, or the Yamaha's are a little too expensive, Fox is a good option.

buying a used Loree oboe can last you up to 30+ years. Go look in your local classifieds, look online and ask your oboe teacher, if anyone is selling a used Loree oboe. From the prices I've seen, its about 2,500-3,500$ for a used one, and they can last quite the lifetime. Even buying one thats 5 years old isnt that bad-check around.

Fox has some really nice ones. My current oboe is plastic. I will probably get a Fox when I get a full conservatory as I don't like wood. I've had a couple of wood instruments and while they do sound better, they can be a pain. It really depends on the environment too.

I really like wood. It produces a darker tone, purer and it feels so good to play!

I've seen, its about 2,500-3,500$ for a used one, and they can last quite the lifetime. Even buying one thats 5 years old isnt that bad-check around.

nu uh? maybe i never looked in the right places... the cheapest (used) loree ive ever seen was 6,000????

if you're not willing to spend the money for the loree, go for a fox.. i've played on a fox before (500 english horn and older 300 model of the oboe), and i've used my teacher's loree oboe. both oboes were good, but i liked the loree over the fox.

I've seen, its about 2,500-3,500$ for a used one, and they can last quite the lifetime. Even buying one thats 5 years old isnt that bad-check around. nu uh? maybe i never looked in the right places... the cheapest (used) loree ive ever seen was 6,000????

Really? The cheapest used Loree I've seen is $2,500-$4,000 for a used Loree. You have to wait for the right time to buy.

hmmm... i haven't really looked at loree's that much because im not buying a new oboe anytime soon... so thats probably why

o.O Lot's of debation going on here.

Okay, so my price range is 3,000 dollars. (It got lower) I do want a used Loree or Fox. I just want something with all of the keys that I will need, nothing too fancy. I will consider both wood and plastic.

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I guess that at this point, I'm mainly looking for a model.

Your basic used Loree oboe will be fine. It has all the trill keys, Low Bb vent, Forked F vent, Third 8va, everything a professional oboist needs. The model is just "oboe", not royal, or royal 125.

Usually for your price range you'll get a used oboe from the 80's-90's. This is fine, just make sure you get it checked over first.

if you want cheap check ebay and find something within range of you that you cn try it and pay cash on collection.

I suggest buying used from RDG woodwinds: http://www.rdgwoodwinds.com/index.php?cPath=151_153

Eew! Ebay? Besides, those aren't hardly ever good. Ebay scares me. o.O