Vintage Ring-System Oboe, Low Bb, Grenadilla Wood – Well Made

Description

Vintage Ring-System Oboe, Low Bb, Grenadilla Wood – Well Made.
Up for sale is this very cool old ring-system oboe. I purchased this to show a couple students what a ring system oboe was – that’s really it. It’s been sitting ever since.
The oboe is unbranded – I cannot find a makers mark or serial number anywhere on it. My guess is that it is French made, possibly Cabart? Maybe a boutique instrument? Not really sure.
The wood is in excellent condition. There are no cracks or crack repairs. Nice, tight grain. And some point someone scratched “70” behind the bell – this is very light and could be buffed out if desired. The stacks for the finger/ring holes seem to be capped with a synthetic material that is very clean, and precise, for a better seal. There was definitely some innovation in this instrument.
The keywork is well-made, moves freely, and is heavy silver plated. The plating is about 85% – only wear on main touch areas (Ab, R Eb, etc). Everything is intact and appears to be original. The oboe has low Bb, the old side Bb, and a few other bells & whistles – see pics.
The oboe is current not fully playable. I put a reed in and could play from about low D up, with a few “funky” notes due to adjustment. That said, based on what I can play, it has a lovely sweet, round, delicate sound. It reminds me of early Lorees. The scale is actually very nice, even with the currently limited playability. The oboe will obviously need a repad and, mechanism tightening, cleaning and adjustment to be usable.
The oboe comes in an older French case with canvas case cover. These absolutely show significant wear, but serve ok to protect the instrument.
This is a great, interesting old oboe with a lovely sound. After a good overhaul, this will make a cool vintage horn for someone 🙂
This instrument is sold as-is, as described. The sale is final. Please ask any questions prior to purchase. Shipping will be via FedEx ground. Shipping inside US only. Thanks!