Oboe bell rings?
What function does the bell ring on an oboe serve?
I have seen performances in which it appears that some oboe players have removed their instrument's bell ring. Why would they do that?
What function does the bell ring on an oboe serve?
I have seen performances in which it appears that some oboe players have removed their instrument's bell ring. Why would they do that?
?
Student oboes are more likely to have a ring to prevent them from damage. This is not exclusive - but look at a manufacturer in their line of models, from students to pro. And many manufacturers only make pro, or only student models.
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So I just went on Google Images - and there seem to be REALLY cheap student ones with no ring - some student ones in either direction - and same deal with pro oboes. I am a professional flutist, and can tell you where each of the HUNDREDS of parts as possibilities of configurations are on any flute on the planet - but oboe to me is *terra incognita* - 4 weeks of instruction in a general woodwind exploration class in in1970. I will stick with my advice that if you are a student and have the usual amount of bumps and bangs that most students do, get a GOOD oboe with a bell ring. What makes a GOOD oboe? You gotta ask a fine professional oboist - which is seldom you band director. I taught Theory for decades - and have multiple undergrad and grad degrees in Theory. Most folks teaching it in school took 2 years - I took four then, and the equivalent of 2-3 more years at the grad level, spread out over some summers, too. Someone saying "I finished the class and got an A" does not tell the whole story - if one person's class covers 2 years, and another person's classes cover FIVE OR SIX more. I do not know of any oboe experts that post here - so try Yahoo Groups - more likely that you find a good oboe forum, and get a decent answer.
And then - there are the various bell SHAPES . . .