The Oboe Doctor

Newly translated into English by Megan Lang, this book is an essential for every oboist; student amateur and professional alike. The book covers every aspect of Oboe care and maintenance, from putting the instrument together (you'd be surprised how many oboists don't know how to do this properly), to regulation of every note. The language is simple to understand and easy to read. Topics are logically set out with chapters ON basic maintenance, cracks, condensation, minor repairs and adjustment of the mechanism.

Marc gives sensible explanations for all his theories, and gives advice with reasoned arguments ON often-debated issues such As how often, and with what one should oil an Oboe. In the mechanism adjustment section, the longest section of the book, Marc outlines a "systematic defect analysis" approach. He explains how to Analyse a Problem, accurately locate it ON the Instrument and then how to solve the Problem. There is a separate section for automatic and semi-automatic oboes. He includes an appendix indicating in photographs all the screws ON both types of Oboe, and refers to this in his instructions. He also includes Information ON how to adjust thumb-plate Instruments.

He takes a step-by-step approach to diagnosing and repairing Problems, but always refers you back to a professional repairer for more complex jobs. Very often, care and maintenance of the Oboe is not a subject given much attention by teachers at any level. Yet, with an Instrument so prone to mechanical Problems, and so sensitive to temperature and moisture, how to perform simple adjustments, and best guard against environmentally caused problems, Are surely essential skills that every oboist should have. With this book, you need look no further. I'll be carrying my copy with me everywhere!