Construction and function of the oboe - Philipp Dangas

Construction and function of the oboe

Graphic on the construction and function of the oboe can be enlarged. It is Link-Sensitive [Clickable].

Components of the oboe in small representation

Oboes are made of grenadilla, boxwood or ebony, instruments made of rosewood, rosewood, cocobolo or other exotic hardwoods are less common. Ebonite or Plexiglas oboes are particularly in demand for use under extreme climatic conditions, as the wood runs the risk of tearing. The instrument has a conical bore and overblows into the ctave.

The mouthpiece of the oboe, called "pipe" for short, is made by the oboist from the internodes of the reed. Most oboists make their own reed mouthpieces, for which there are excellent measuring tools and machines today. The player holds the instrument diagonally downwards like the flutes. However, in contrast to the beaked flutes, the tube widens from the mouthpiece towards the sound opening. The main tube can usually be dismantled into 2 parts. The bell can also be removed as an independent part. The complicated handle and folding mechanism is located on the main tube of the instrument. 2 octave keys are provided for the generation of the overblown tones.

Great sound example of the sound of the oboe [Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven]
Download size: 425 kilobytes
Key data on the functional principle of the woodwinds
Component/Technology Function
1. Mouthpiece The characteristics of a mouthpiece and reed can play a significant role on the sound of the instrument.
2. Single reed Is rounded to match the curve of the mouthpiece tip.
3. Double reed The construction of double reeds for the oboe family of instruments is similar in principle: like the bassoon's reeds.
4. Tone holes and keys Thus the pitch can be changed.
5. Overblowing Overblowing is the technique of making the instrument sound in a higher register by increasing the blowing pressure.