Why it's best: In the student oboe world, a Fox Renard is recognized as being one of the top choices for the intermediate advancing student who desires a premium quality in their instrument. The Model 330 lives up to this desire, and features a quality resin body that resists both cracking and shrinking/expanding, dangers for other oboes made of wood. Hand-reamed and expertly finished, with a low Bb vent key as well as an Eb-E trill key, each 330 is hand-tuned by Fox craftsman to A-440 at a temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Other features include a modified conservatory system, nickel silver-plated keys, and cork pads on the low C key and above. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Paris-based Buffet is known for creating top-quality clarinets, although its offerings in student oboes have become popular as well, and the Model 4012 has been widely praised as a great "stepping-stone" instrument for the advancing intermediate oboist. The Model 4012, aimed at the student market, features a Grenadiia wood body for a modest boost in sound, although maintenance is a bit more tricky and because wood has a habit of expanding and shrinking, care must be taken in always storing it in a space with controlled temperature and humidity. The 4012 features silver-plated keys and a luracast-lined bore to resist cracking. In addition, it has a simplified conservatory model, French fingering system, and comes with its own case. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Storied woodwind-maker Selmer has created a great quality-for-price in the Model 121 Intermediate Oboe, and the instrument is remarkable in that it's actually made of Grenadilla wood, a material that some praise for having a better sound than plastic resin bodies. Although the dangers of shrinking/expanding exist, especially in humid climates, the level of craftsmanship involved here can be assured through the time-tested construction methods employed from Selmer's headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana. The 121 also features a full conservatory system, Gb-A trill keys, and left-hand C-D trills. It also includes a silver-plated key mechanism, and a range to low Bb. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Despite being a student instrument, the Yamaha YOB-441 Series Student Oboe has been described as playing more like a professional model, thanks in part to the consistency in quality that musicians have now come to expect from Yamaha. Possessing a modified conservatory system that is easy for even beginners to play, and a bit more refined than its sibling, the YOB-241, the YOB-441 may not have all the character of the Fox, but is still a top choice. It also features semi-automatic octave keys, a matte-finish ABS resin body, and silver-plated nickel silver keys. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: For the very beginning student, the Yamaha YOB-241 offers an decent value for price, although its edged out by its more feature-laden and better sounding sibling, the YOB-441. It has a matte-finish ABS resin body, and semi-automatic octave keys. Players praise it as a great choice for the middle-school musician, although others have commented that the construction is not quite as sturdy as some others and should be well cared-for. Other features include silver keys, as well as cork and felt pads. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Anyone tried the new students line -- Nobel Mistral?
What is your opinion for beginning students?
Don't get a Nobel. I'm an oboe player and band director. I bought one for my middle school and it gurgles so much in the upper register that it's unplayable.
I see you've revised your list. Much improved. You might try MCW and Fossati Tiery oboes as well.
I won't teach oboe students if they don't get an oboe with a low B flat and left F. It's just not worth it! :-)
Actually I wouldn't recommend one of these for my students! I highly recommend you speak with some oboe instructors!
Which one WOULD you recommend for a beginning oboe student???? I am a NEW student at the oboe, but I have played clarinet for over 30 years. I also played bassoon in high school in the late 70's. I have had 2 lessons and the instructor seems pleased with my progress thus far.