|
| Full
Conservatory- |
As
opposed to the ring-key Thumbplate system (open-holes), the conservatory
system is the prevalent system in the US. It features the covered
keys and numerous trill keys. In other words, it has all the "bells
and whistles". |
| Modified
or Simplified Conservatory- |
Same
as Full Conservatory, with the exception that certain trill keys
are omitted. |
| Full
Automatic- |
There
is only one octave key, because the octave mechanism is automatic.
These oboes don't have the side octave key. |
| Semi
Automatic- |
These
oboes have the side octave key. This type of system is the preferred
system in the United States. |
| Left
Hand F Key- |
This
is an alternate F key, allowing the player to go back and forth
between F and Eb, D, Db, or low C without getting the E in between. |
| Low
Bb Key- |
Allows
the oboe to play the Bb below the treble clef staff. |
| Low
Bb Vent/Resonance Key- |
An
extra pad on the bell of the oboe which allows the low Bb to speak
with better tone and intonation. |
| F#
Key Tab- |
A
small, uplifted tab on the bottom of the F# key (first finger
on the right hand). Some manufacturers have positioned the tone
hole for the F# higher on the instrument to improve intonation,
so they added the key tab so the player wouldn't have to stretch
the first finger of the right hand to reach the key. |
| Philadelphia
D Key- |
So-called
because it was invented in Philadelphia. It's primary function
is to improve the response of the high D. The key closes the ring
isde the key that covers the E tone hole. Many thanks to Dr. Edwin
Lacy for this definition! |
| Thumbplate
(open-hole) system- |
The
largest indicator of this type of oboe is one that has open holes,
like a clarinet. This type of oboe is used mostly in England,
but for the most part it is not used in the US. You should be
aware that it uses slightly different fingerings than the conservatory
oboe, so unless you want to confuse your player, don't get this
kind. |
| Third
Octave Key- |
Most
oboes have two octave keys -- the thumb octave key and the side
octave key. Some of the more advanced oboes now come with a third
octave key which sits above and on top of the thumb octave key.
This octave key is supposed to make the extrememly high notes
(F above the staff and higher) speak more easily and more in tune.
Some oboists use it, some don't. There is an adjustment screw
on it that allows you to disable it. |
| Metal
Lined Tenon Sockets- |
This
means that the opening at the end of the joint that the cork from
the other joint fits into is lined with metal. This protects against
cracks and helps add strength to the joint. |
| Split
D Ring- |
The
"D" key (third finger of the right hand) is actually
two separate keys - one on the inside which is surrounded by the
other. When the player plays an Eb-to-E trill, the inside part
of the key stays down to stabilize intonation. |
