BUYERS' GUIDE

BEGINNERS' INSTRUMENTS

Unfortunately, there's not so much choice for players of oboes, bassoons and other double-reeds. If you can find a decent Boosey & Hawkes Regent Oboe, they are quite good for beginners. You can buy Lark bassoons which are not very good quality but will do the job, as the bassoon is quite a forgiving instrument.

TRY IT OUT FIRST

Really, though, you need to judge these instruments on their individual merits. Find one and play it - or get someone to play it for you before buying.

EACH ONE IS DIFFERENT

Check the mechanism, which can vary from instrument to instrument. If you are a first time buyer, check you are getting an instrument with the right fingering. There are an alarming number of different keywork layouts on both oboes and bassoons, and before committing yourself, it's worth checking with your tutor as to which type is suitable.

MARSHALL McGURK, Elm House Farm, Crosby, Maryport, Cumbria, CA15 6SH Phone: 01900 813200

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