A. Robert Paris Professional Oboe. Full Conservatory Keywork.

Description

A. Robert Paris Professional Oboe. Rare. Full Conservatory Keywork..
Up for sale is this rare A. Robert professional oboe for restoration.
I’m a little hesitant to get rid of this one, but I have too much stuff sitting around. The reality is that I’m unlikely to get around to this one. So your loss is my gain!
I have been advised that this instrument is a stencil instrument marked Robert, but most likely manufactured by Malerne.
I would like to clarify that this instrument will need a ***complete overhaul*** to be useable. That means at least all new pads, springs, bumpers, cleaning, a mechanical reconditioning, and a full adjustment by a qualified technician. It may also mean attention to the wood body including a crack repair in the bell, and tonehole inserts. Please understand that this instrument will require this work to be used.
With that said, the oboe does play a bit in its current condition. I can get all the way down to Low Bb with some effort. The sound is amazing. Lush, round, dark sound. The high register is beautiful. Very even scale, even in its current condition. It reminds me very much of a C series Loree that I played on in college, which is why I’ve been hesitant to part with it.
The mechanism:
The keywork very well-made. Delicate and tight-fitting. It looks and feels very similar to Loree keywork of the 1980s. I have large hands and it’s quite comfortable for me to hold. I would estimate the heavy silver plating, while tarnished, is about 90% intact. I do not see any solder repairs on the keywork, or signs of major damage.
The wood body:
- The lower joint is perfect. No cracks or repairs.
- The bell has the usual hairline running over the tenon socket into the low Bb tonehole. This is very coming and should be an easy, invisible repair for a good tech.
- The top joint has a very old, very stable, but also very extensive crack repair. The crack appears to extend from the 2nd octave, through the trills, all the way down to the left of the A key. The repair was down with pins and fill, and seems to have been well-done, but is very visible. In total, I count 8 pins. I tried to show this in the photo. The bore looks good inside the top joint and does not appear to (or feel like it has) any issues. Again, this repair is very old and is quite obviously very stable. I do not believe that this repair will require further attention. However, It could be easily “cleaned up” by a modern tech to be much less visible if you are concerned about cosmetics.
The oboe will come in a Fox leather covered case. The interior is clean, with small signs of wear. The exterior has scuffs and some marks where there were stickers. The case is very sturdy and protects the oboe well.
I believe this is a good instrument and worth the cost and time of an overhaul for the right person. The sound and scale are wonderful and the instrument is very comfortable in your hands.
After an overhaul this would make a great instrument for a serious student or a pro doubler.
Im a pro oboist and music teacher. I’ve done my best to accurately describe this instrument and give my opinions on it. The instrument is being sold as-is, as described with no returns. Please look at the pictures carefully and ask any questions prior to purchase. Shipping in Us only via FedEx ground.
Thanks!