Hi all
The design of the staple is moving on at the moment, solid metal ones from Chudnow and Winfield, gold plated and even staples in 18K gold (not plated).
If you never heard about it, this is my contribution to research. More on www.oboetube.com

I wouldn`t start writing its epitaph so soon. I think that one thing that will keep the metal staple down is tradition. Oboists are traditionalists to an extreme, why do you think so many oboists are reluctant to play oboes other than Loree? I however believe that much is happening on the front of oboe tube deisgn, but I still think cost may be a factor in how widely metal tubes are used. I am also dubious of all the claims oboe tube designers are making. So much of their claims are contingent on the gouge,shape and embouchure. Keep on experimenting, one day we`ll make it into the 21st century.

I`ve never seen a Loree, but I play Fox oboes. I stick to the cork outside. I`m only in 8th grade, so I haven`t had time to venture.