The oboe is classified as part of the woodwind musical instruments. It is such a beautiful musical instrument; the elegant look of Fox oboes is only the surface of its amazing qualities. Over the years, the Fox brand of oboes has become popular for many excellent reasons such as high-quality tones, versatility, and ease of use.
Fox oboes produce outstanding and melodious tunes when played by an expert. It is easy to learn how to play Fox oboes when you understand the basic concepts and techniques that must be applied. Also, you can have a wonderful experience as an instrumentalist with the oboe when you buy an authentic instrument.
What are the Best Fox Oboe Models to Buy?
2) Fox Model 300 Professional Oboe
- Made from high-quality plastic resin
- Lightweight and portable
- Full conservatory mechanism
1) Fox Renard Model 330 Oboe
- Made from tough plastic resin
- Lightweight
- Silver plated keys
- Durable
3) Fox Model 450 Oboe
- Made from Grenadilla wood
- Complete conservative mechanism
- Produce the beautiful sounds
There are some things to consider when buying any of the Fox oboe models. Some of these instruments have features that have been enhanced to enable professional instrumentalists to perform better during solos or in orchestras. In the market, you will also find fox oboes that have been labeled as fit for intermediate learners.
The differences are not so much. The Fox oboes designed for professionals may have more notes and holes than the other models for intermediates. Overall, your learning experience when practicing with the fox oboe will be great when you have an experienced music instructor.
To be clear, the fox oboe can be distinguished from the clarinet. Many people find it difficult to tell these two musical instruments apart. As a guide when you go shopping for a fox oboe, please note that the most significant difference to identify a fox oboe from a clarinet is that the fox oboe is a double reed musical instrument while clarinets are single reed musical instruments.
Regarding the intonation and notes, it will also be helpful to buy a fox oboe that allows you to transit from a low B to low C# during practice. These models of fox oboes are designed to help beginners gain more resonance and improved tone quality before advancing to practice more complex lessons.
You should also consider the weight of your fox oboe. The best way to gain experience and become better is by practicing often. This can be easily done when you can comfortably hold the musical instrument for longer. Also, don’t forget to ask if there is a carrying case for your fox oboe. These cases offer adequate protection from dirt and damage. With a good case, your fox oboe can last longer.
The following is a review of the best fox oboe models you will find online and in the physical market for musical instruments.
5 Best Fox Oboe Model Reviews
1) Fox Renard Model 330 Oboe
The Fox Renard Model 330 Oboe is one of the versatile oboes that can be used by learners at all skill levels. It is made from tough plastic resin, and this model has all the features you expect to find on a standard fox oboe. The model 330 is lightweight; it also comes with a reed, which is very helpful during practice.
The model 330 has silver plated keys; these keys are easier to play because the silver plating is adequate for a firm grip when playing the oboe. This feature helps during practice, especially when there is a need to move from the low B to other notes.
With this model 330, it is easier to learn all about intonation with the fox oboe, the bands and bell rings are also well positioned to make it easy for little children to touch the keys during a practice session.
The Fox Renard Model 330 Oboe also features a special conservatory mechanism that allows every user to play the F, C, C#, and Eb keys. Also, the features of this mechanism make it easy to master how the third octave key is applied correctly.
Another aspect of this fox oboe model instrumentalists will find excellent is the use of the cork pads. The cork pads on the Fox Renard Model 330 Oboe have been specially designed to achieve intonation from a low C and higher based on the songs played.
The Fox Renard Model 330 Oboe is built with manual tuning features. The instrument can be tuned manually to achieve the desired pitch, which can be as high as A-440.
The screws arbors and wire springs for adjusting these settings are made from stainless steel for durability. This fox oboe model also comes with cases for the instrument and reed, as well as cleaning products to keep the fox oboe in perfect condition.
2) Fox Model 300 Professional Oboe
The Fox Model 300 Professional Oboe can be recommended to students and instrumentalists who need a good oboe to play at a professional level. The oboe is made from high-quality plastic resin, which is an added assurance for durability. The resin material also makes this fox oboe lightweight and portable.
The Fox Model 300 Professional Oboe features a full conservatory mechanism which is one of the features professional instrumentalists need to deliver good performances during solos or playing with an orchestra. It can also be observed that the key work on this fox oboe has been set according to the standard for the oboe to make it easy for students who need to learn with a higher grade oboe.
The key work for the full conservatory mechanism on this fox oboe includes the Eb-E trill key, F# key tab, the low b vent keys, and low C keys. Also, the full conservatory system includes a third octave key.
The pads on this fox oboe model are cork; they are easy to adjust and achieve the right tones during a practice session or performance. The cork pads on this fox oboe are set on the low C. the inclusion of these keys make it possible for the instrumentalist to achieve high resonance to match the songs they need to play.
The posts, bands, and bell rings on this fox oboe model are silver plated. Also, all the arbors and wire springs are made from stainless steel. High-quality materials have been used to make the fox oboe resistant to wear and last longer. Overall, it is an oboe that can be used to achieve high and low notes; the fox oboe can be fit into a solid case for extra protection.
3) Fox Model 450 Oboe
This is one of the fox oboe models that have enhanced features to meet the needs of professional instrumentalists. The Fox Model 450 Oboe is delicately crafted from high-quality resins which are responsible for its elegant look. However, the lower joint on this model and the bell are made from Grenadilla wood.
The keys on this fox oboe have been coated with high-grade Nickel and Silver mix, a combination that makes it easier for students to tap the right keys and make adequate contact to produce the beautiful sounds.
In addition to its appearance, the Fox Model 450 Oboe features a complete conservative mechanism. This is one of the features that put this fox oboe model in the class for professional instrumentalists. The full conservative mechanism can be used by the instrumentalist to achieve a high, and low pitch sounds to match the songs they are playing.
It is easier to play the Eb-E trill keys, F# key tab, and low B with this fox oboe model. Also, this oboe model features the third octave key, which is one of the advantages of having a full conservatory on a fox oboe model.
The third octave key is one of the octave mechanisms all instrumentalist must master while advancing in their oboe lessons. It is used to achieve higher notes with the oboe that exceed the high Eb range when the four notes E, F, F(sharp) and G can be applied.
Selecting the right reeds and using proper keys will produce the best sounds with this fox oboe model. It also comes with a solid case and cleaning equipment to prevent dust and dirt that can hinder the functionality of the oboe.
4) Fox Renard Model 335 Artist Oboe
The Fox Renard Model 335 Artist Oboe is similar to model 330, with some minor adjustments to help improve the instrumentalist’s experience. It is made from Grenadilla wood, and suitable for use by music teachers and students at all skill levels.
The solid features of this fox oboe model make it highly durable and suitable for use when performing solos or orchestra sessions that last for a long time. With a good cleaning and maintenance, this fox oboe can be used for lengthy practice sessions or performances without any issues. This is why the Fox Renard Model 335 Artist Oboe is mostly found in music schools and a favorite of the students.
The model 335 features the standard silver plated keys that have been adequately coated to improve the instrumentalists’ experience. It is also lightweight and very easy to balance in between the fingers during practice or performances.
It also features durable cork pads that function as expected when there is a need to play tones at low C or higher notes. This fox oboe model also features bladder pads used for playing the low B notes; the bladder keys can also be used to achieve the B flat notes when necessary.
The Fox Renard Model 335 Artist Oboe comes with features that allow instrumentalists to tune the instrument before practice manually. The arbors, wire springs and screws that aid adjustments are made from stainless steel, which improves the functions and ensures longevity.
The keys placements on this fox oboe model are designed in an improved conservatory system. This setting makes it possible to apply the left-hand F key tab, F# key, A and B (Flats) trill keys, articulated C# keys mechanism, and the low C-C (sharp) trill keys.
The conservatory system also features the third octave key. The packaging comes with a fox oboe case and cleaning materials which can be used in accordance with the instruction manual in the case.
5) Fox Renard Model 333 Protege Oboe
This fox oboe model 333 is quite common because it has most of the standard features, and the price is affordable compared to other fox oboe models. Many students can start learning with this model and improve their techniques to a high level in a very short time, with diligent practice.
This fox oboe is made from plastic resin from reputable sources. This is why it has a grand look that impresses many students and music teachers who have used the model at some point in their musical training or career.
The quality and pitch of the tones produced with this oboe match the standards professional instrumentalists need to perform excellently. In addition to its appearance, the Fox Renard Model 333 Protege Oboe also has a standard key mechanism that is perfect for all instrumentalists.
The Fox Renard Model 333 Protege Oboe features a simple conservatory mechanism; this aspect of the oboe is specially handcrafted to improve the quality of intonation. The conservative mechanism for this oboe features the left-hand F key and the F# key tab. Also, notes from the low C and higher can be achieved with the use of the corkscrew pads.
Tuning the Fox Renard Model 333 Protege Oboe can be done manually with the use of keys made from stainless steel. The tuning process is one of the lessons taught by music instructors to help students get the right pitch during practice.
With the Fox Renard Model 333 Protege Oboe, it is possible to achieve a pitch as high as A-440 after properly tuning the musical instrument. The manual tuning feature also allows instrumentalists to improve the resonance and overall output when playing this fox oboe.
Overall, it is a fox oboe that fits all needs, whether the student aims to learn how to play oboe as a hobby or at a professional level.
Choosing the Best Fox Oboe Models
Playing the fox oboe can become an addictive experience because of its high-quality sound output and versatility. When buying any of the available models, it is best to ensure the oboe can be manually tuned to get custom sounds. You can also check the highest and lowest possible pitch achievable with the musical instrument to ensure it matches the songs you will like to play often.
These tests will help you determine if the oboe you want to buy can give the needed quick response during practice or performance. Many of these oboes come with protective cases; however, you can choose the models that also feature cleaning equipment customized for your oboe.
2) Fox Model 300 Professional Oboe
- Made from high-quality plastic resin
- Lightweight and portable
- Full conservatory mechanism
1) Fox Renard Model 330 Oboe
- Made from tough plastic resin
- Lightweight
- Silver plated keys
- Durable
3) Fox Model 450 Oboe
- Made from Grenadilla wood
- Complete conservative mechanism
- Produce the beautiful sounds
The cleaning equipment will be selected based on the materials your oboe is made of, for example, plastic resin or Grenadilla wood. Using the appropriate cleaning products for your fox oboe makes it last longer and prevent cracking.