Different bore from the 'Orfeo' Lacking left C# - in my estimation an oboe with this level of mechanical sophistication should truly have a left C# key. Has solid metal tenon on upper joint composite material- cracking (rare) still possible 'Virtuoso' Composite or wood. In my estimation, this drying process is absolutely no substitute for seasoning wood! Drying wood IS part of the oboe manufacturing process, though only AFTER wood has been well seasoned.īUFFET - 'Orfeo' excellent instrument. Nowadays, some of the large oboe manufacturers do not have the luxury of seasoning the wood as in 'the old days.' A common practice nowadays is simply to dry the wood for a year or two in an insulated box ('kiln') at 125 degrees.

After the rounds have seasoned, any cracked or warped pieces will (should) be discarded. In this manner, the wood will be able to experience all the changes in temperature and humidity, and dry ever so slowly. Then the rounds will be set aside for perhaps (ideally) another 5 years or so. After the initial seasoning process, the un-cracked, un-warped billets will be turned round, and a small pilot hole drilled completely through the pieces. 'Seasoning' oboes woods, according to usual convention, means that the wood is cut into billets, the billets then placed in an unheated warehouse or barn on stickers for air circulation for perhaps 10-20 years. Below is a general guide to instruments and their years: The Loree serial number consists of two letters followed by two numerals. Also below are serial numbers and years of make:Ī note about Loree serial numbers: Loree serial numbers can tell you when your instrument was made.

Below are some numbers of dimensions for a typical Loree oboe. I was contemplating having a custom fiberglass case made for my Loree AK, and had to take dimensions. Loree AK Oboe, NE-37, which was made in 2000. Loree Oboe Serial Numbers Year _VERIFIED_

Serial number on F Loree oboe