My daughter has been taking flute for over 3 years, and is going to start taking oboe lessons. My daughter's instructor didn't have a strong opinion one way or the other on the low Bb vent key option on the Fox 330.

With:
http://www.wwbw.com/Fox-Model-330-Oboe-with-Low-Bb-Vent-Key-467168-i1436943.wwbw

Without:
http://www.wwbw.com/Fox-Renard-Model-330-Oboe-462098-i1143160.wwbw

Its not a big difference in price. Is there a downside to having it? One seller said that the 330s didn't need a low Bb vent key and play fine without it.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Brian

It's a finicky thing depending on the Oboe.

The vent will affect other notes, not just the low Bb you see. Idk, IMO I don't feel it's needed...

I have a Loree bell with a Low Bb vent and a plastic Loree bell without the Bb vent. With the Bb vent my low Bb is very in tune and stable. Without it it's almost 30 cents flat.

I really suggest getting it WITH the Bb vent as it will help your low Bb be very much more in tune. The low Bb vent doesn't affect others notes.

I think it does Canadian. Just having the tone hole there seems to affect the tuning/tone of E, G and to a lesser extent A and F. Maybe because it changes the shape of the bell?

It doesn't change the shape of the bell though. The bore is still the same. If you are having troubles with your E's and G's something else must be wrong. As long as the low Bb vent is sealing then it shouldn't affect any notes besides the low Bb.

Uuup. No wonder. Bb vent doesn't seal right on my Oboe lol. No wonder the dude that owned this Oboe before plugged it up.