Special Prices on Violetwood and Plastic Top Joint Lorée Royals!

Royal Violetwood Oboe (standard bore only) $7,520 (regularly $8,545)
Royal AK with Plastic Top Joint $7,720 for a limited time (regularly $8,495)

We will provide a free return shipping call-tag through UPS for all new instrument trials for a limited time. Call For More information or to set up a trial (800) 926-5587.

*These special prices are for current stock only, and do not apply to special orders or pending deliveries. 

CLICK HERE to see all oboe specials 

Trial Lorees

These oboes are part of our new inventory, but they are not our newest stock and have already been out on trial.  A 2-year crack/ 1-year adjustment warranty through Midwest Musical Imports is included with the purchase of these instruments.  See Trial Oboes for more information

Loree Royal AK Oboe #RG21, RG71 $7545.00
Loree Royal Oboe #RD82 $7545.00

 

 

 

Special prices on Fossati and Yamaha oboes!
Soliste V Professional Oboe $5,145
20th Anniversary Soliste Oboe $6,850

Yamaha 841L Oboe $5,040 (Regularly $5,925)
Yamaha 841KT Oboe $4,630 (Regularly $5,435)

We will provide a free return shipping call-tag through UPS for all new instrument trials for a limited time.  Call For More information or to set up a trial (800) 926-5587.

*These special prices are for current stock only, and do not apply to special orders or pending deliveries. 

CLICK HERE to see all oboe specials

 

JUST IN!

We have a new Yamaha 841T oboe in stock, and we just received a new shipment of Loree oboes and English Horns last week, so please call us if you would like to set up a trial!

Midwest Musical Imports is excited about our new instruments in stock from IDRS 2010, including a Howarth S5XL oboe in grenadilla, 2 new Buffet Greenline oboes, and a fantastic new Yamaha 841KTL oboe (Lined,3rd octave in Kingwood).  Additionally, we are excited to have a Puchner model 733C professional grenadilla oboe and a Buffet grenadilla English horn in stock, which are new models to our stock.  Please call (800) 926-5587 for more information or to set up a trial.

 

Descriptions of Types of Wood

Oboes can be made of several types of dense wood. Grenadilla is the standard. Also called blackwood, it comes from Mozambique and is the most dense of the woods used to make oboes. Grenadilla oboes project very well and are less prone to cracking. These oboes change dimensions more slowly over time often taking longer to "blow out". Cocabola wood, from Mexico, is less dense than grenadilla. It keeps the beneficial traits of grenadilla while having a slightly warmer sound. Violetwood (also called kingwood), from South America, is less dense than cocabola, and thus has a characteristic warm, sweet sound. Rosewood is the least dense of the standard woods used to make oboes. It has the sweetest sound but doesn't always project as well (it is well-suited for chamber music). Some points to keep in mind: denser woods generally project better, are less prone to cracking, and don't change as much with time. Less dense woods generally produce a warmer, sweeter sound with less of an edge.

Repair Hint

Of course, routine maintenance on your instrument is a must. A few things to keep in mind: About every 6 months, use a very small amount of oil at the end of each key or lever. Every time you play, swab the oboe thoroughly and wipe off the keys (with a polishing cloth) and body with a soft cloth. Also, check the corks and keep a very small amount of grease on the tenon corks. NOTE: Keep grease off of the body of the oboe (especially the G# tonehole and pads). For bassoonists, use wax (parafin) on wrapped tenons and do not use dental floss to attempt to make the fit tighter. Annually, have the instrument checked by a repair technician to keep adjustments and seal at their best.

Practice Tip

Had You Thought of This? 

It works best in practicing to decide what you're going to work on before you start to play. Having a plan insures that the practice session will be more productive and efficient. Also, it gets really boring practicing the same thing for an hour. Divide up the time into shorter sessions, taking a little break in the middle. This will also help in remembering what you've learned.

Oboe Tip Dimensions Chart

With this chart one can compare the dimensions of many popular oboe shaper tips. Reprinted with the kind permission of Bob Hubbard at Westwind Double Reed. 

While most shaper tip comparison charts start from the wide end of the shape, our charts compare the shapes from the spot where the cane closes at the top of the wrap so you can do more meaningful side-by-side comparisons at the most critical measurement points: tip, belly, and throat.

In the chart below, shaper tip widths are ranked generally from narrow-to-wide across all tips. Because each tip has unique differences in the curve of the shape and the rate of the taper, this chart helps you identify and test multiple tips with similar measurements. Measurements are shown in tenths of a millimeter to protect proprietary information. Noticeable differences, however, show up in the hundredths and sometimes thousandths of a millimeter.

These oboe and English horn tip charts compare several popular brands and models. Measurements of tips not manufactured by Westwind Double Reed were collected by measuring real tips on an extremely accurate measurement device.

Oboe comparison   General width rankings* Tip +23mm Belly +12mm Throat +5mm Wrap 0mm Adam Samson +3 6.9 6.5 5.5 5.1 RDG - 1 6.9 6.5 5.8 5.1 RDG-Mack M 6.9 6.5 5.8 5.1 Westwind RDG-Mack M+ 6.9 6.6 5.9 5.1 RDG #1 6.9 6.6 5.9 5.1 Westwind RDG-Mack M++ 6.9 6.6 5.9 5.1 Adam Joshua +2 6.9 6.7 5.6 5.1 Westwind Lucarelli 6.9 6.7 6.0 5.1 Westwind Hubbard Z 7.0 6.5 5.9 5.1 Adam Samson +1 7.0 6.6 5.6 5.1 Westwind Sorton 7.0 6.6 5.9 5.1 Westwind Pfeiffer-Mack 7.0 6.6 5.9 5.1 Adam Caleb -1 7.0 6.7 5.5 5.1 Adam Joshua +4 7.0 6.7 5.7 5.1 Westwind Brannen X 7.0 6.7 6.0 5.1 Westwind Robinson 7.1 6.8 5.9 5.1 Westwind de Lancie 7.2 6.7 5.9 5.1

Oboe The wrap point (5.1mm)is assigned a value of zero. The belly is measured 5mm above that, the throat at 12mm, and the tip at 23mm. 5.1mm is a "typical" wrap point. Even if you use a different wrap point our approach will still make it easier to compare shapes. Wide or Narrow? A wider tip will give you a fatter sound in the bottom of the range while a narrower tip will give you more control in the upper octaves, but there's a world of subtle difference in the middle...and much depends upon your unique requirements.

English Horn Tip Dimensions Chart

With this chart one can compare the dimensions of many popular oboe shaper tips. Reprinted with the kind permission of Bob Hubbard at Westwind Double Reed. 

While most shaper tip comparison charts start from the wide end of the shape, our charts compare the shapes from the spot where the cane closes at the top of the wrap so you can do more meaningful side-by-side comparisons at the most critical measurement points: tip, belly, and throat.

English Horn comparison   General width rankings* Tip +23mm Belly +13mm Throat +3mm Wrap 0mm Coehlo 7.8 7.3 6.4 6.0 Westwind Minsker-Lickman 8.0 7.3 6.4 6.0 RDG -1 8.1 7.5 6.4 6.0 Westwind Brannen 8.2 7.6 6.3 6.0 Westwind Giacobassi 8.2 7.6 6.4 6.0 Stacy 8.3 7.7 6.4 6.0 RDG #1 8.3 7.7 6.5 6.0

English Horn The wrap point (6.0mm) is assigned a value of zero. The belly is measured 3mm above that, the throat at 13mm, and the tip at 23mm. 6.0mm is a "typical" wrap point. Even if you use a different wrap point our approach will still make it easier to compare shapes.

* In the chart above, shaper tip widths are ranked generally from narrow-to-wide across all tips. Because each tip has unique differences in the curve of the shape and the rate of the taper, this chart helps you identify and test multiple tips with similar measurements. Measurements are shown in tenths of a millimeter to protect proprietary information. Noticeable differences, however, show up in the hundredths and sometimes thousandths of a millimeter.

These oboe and English horn tip charts compare several popular brands and models. Measurements of tips not manufactured by Westwind Double Reed were collected by measuring real tips on an extremely accurate measurement device.

 

Lorée Serial Numbers with Approximate Year of Manufacture

Shipping Information

Rates for U.S. (lower 48 states):
We are offering free standard shipping on all accessory orders until further notice.

USPS Priority Mail Rates for U.S. (lower 48 states):
$0-$50.................. $9.00
$50.01-100............ $10.00
$Over 100.00.......... $11.00

UPS Ground Rates for U.S. (lower 48 states):
$0-$50.................. $14.00
$50.01-100............ $15.00
$Over 100.00.......... $16.00

To place an order requiring Express Mail or OVERNIGHT UPS shipping, please call us at 800-926-5587. (Express and OVERNIGHT shipping options will not be available in our On-Line Shopping Cart. We need to confirm shipping details and charges by phone.) MMI cannot guarantee that all orders will be able to go out the same day they are received. However, we will do our best to ship orders same-day for customers with special shipping needs. Other shipping methods may be available - please feel free to call for details.

 International Orders - MMI requires that international shipments be prepaid by the customer (by bank draft in U.S. funds) before leaving our shop. International customers are responsible for any customs duties or sales taxes that may be due upon delivery. For sales made to customers outside of the U.S. and Canada, all sales are considered final - no returns will be allowed. Note: For international orders (excluding Canada), we can no longer accept credit cards as a method of payment. We can accept a certified check in U.S. funds (call or e-mail for details).

Policies

Instrument Trials

We offer a generous two-week trial for most instruments at MMI, new or used. Fox Renard bassoons and Lorée oboes, new and used, can be tested for one-week-only to help us accommodate all of our customers. Up to three oboes, 3 English horns, or two bassoons can be tried at one time, in order to compare different models or to pick the best particular instrument of one model. A valid credit card is all that is needed to secure the trial. All shipping charges are to be paid by the customer, whether or not an instrument is purchased. You may try as many instruments as you like, as long as you are willing to pay the shipping charges. Shipping/insurance charges for new instruments shipped in the U.S. are as follows: $33 for one oboe, $42 for two, and $54 for three. English horns: $36 for one, $47 for two, and $61 for three EHs. Shipping for one bassoon is $44, and $68 for two. Shipping for one contrabassoon is $95. (These shipping prices are calculated for UPS GROUND service. Please call for faster shipping service rates.) You must insure instruments for their full value when returning to our shop. Trial period extensions are sometimes possible if you are having trouble making the final decision. Please note that sometimes there is a waiting list for certain instruments that are in high demand (especially used instruments). If you decide to purchase an instrument, payment can be made by credit card (MC, VISA, Discover, American Express), check, or money order. A small discount may be available if an instrument is paid for by check. We do not allow the free two-week trial arrangement outside the U.S. Please call for further information.

For international orders (excluding Canada), we can no longer accept credit cards as a method of payment. We can accept a certified check in U.S. funds (call or e-mail for details).

Alternative Trial Instrument Return Shipping Method

If at the end of an instrument trial period, you need to return one or more instruments, MMI is now offering a more convenient return solution for you. At your request, we can charge your credit card and process a UPS Call Tag that a UPS driver will use to pick up the packaged instrument(s) at an appropriate location. The package must be packed the same way it was shipped to you and it must be ready at a location where someone will be present when the Call Tag/UPS driver arrives. The charge would include shipping, insurance, pick up and processing fee. The cost for the UPS Call Tag/Pick Up Service in the continental U.S. is as follows:

Oboes/Flutes: $68 for one, $77 for two, and $89 for three
English horns: $71 for one, $82 for two, and $96 for three

Bassoons: $79 for one, and $103 for two

Contrabassoon: $130 for one
Bb Clarinets: $68 for one, $77 for two, and $89 for three
Alto Saxophones: $79 for one, $103 for two, $138 for three

This may be a more convenient and less expensive alternative to other shipping services. Please call for more information or to request this service.

Return/Exchange Policy

We want you to be happy with everything you purchase from us! If an item is not satisfactory, it can be returned for a credit or exchange within 14 days, provided it has not been altered, damaged or used. Knives that have been sharpened, sharpening stones that have been used, and half-processed tube cane are examples of things that cannot be returned. The return policy includes all accessory items except tube cane, shaper tips, sheet music, CDs, non-defective processed cane and reeds (which cannot be returned for health reasons). Of course, any defective product can be returned. There is a $5 restock fee and every return must by accompanied by a copy of the original invoice. For orders sent outside the U.S. or Canada, we cannot accept returns - all sales are final.

Warranty on New Instruments

MMI provides a 2-year crack and 1-year adjustment warranty for all new oboes and English horns, and a 2-year warranty for all new bassoons. An MMI warranty covers all necessary repairs and routine maintenance during normal wear of the instrument. These repairs include, but are not limited to: crack repair, pad replacement, tuning, re-corking, and mechanism adjustments. Repairs necessary due to abuse, negligence, or incompetent repairs done by outside repair shops are not covered under the warranty. The warranty is only applicable to the original owner of the instrument. All repairs must be done at MMI or the manufacturer's location, unless authorized by MMI. Failure to do this may void the warranty. Please call MMI at 800-926-5587 before sending instruments in for repair to the manufacturer or to our shop. Shipping costs to MMI are to be paid by the customer, and MMI will pay for the shipping costs to return the instrument during the first 6 months after purchase. Insurance costs are the owner's responsibility. Please allow at least one or two weeks for repairs. If repair work is being done under warranty, we can offer a rental instrument at half the normal monthly rate, pro-rated to the repair. Turnaround times vary, but we do our best to return instruments as quickly as possible.

Extended Warranty Policy

In addition to the current warranties on the purchase of new instruments, we are now offering the following:

Additional 1-year: $270
Additional 2-year: $525

These extended warranties are only available at the time of purchase of new instruments.

Payment Options

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover,and American Express as well as personal and certified checks. Please allow 1-2 weeks (shipping delay) for processing personal checks.

MMI takes privacy and data protection issues seriously. We do not sell or give away your private information. Our on-line shopping cart uses the most advanced encrypted security features, so you can be assured of a safe on-line shopping experience. If you would like to stop receiving email or mailings from us, please contact us by phone, email or mail to be removed from future mailings. 

Instrument Appraisals

For a $25 fee, MMI will supply a letter for insurance purposes, which states the replacement value of an instrument. This service is free for instruments purchased through MMI. 

Our Hours

Mon-Th: 9AM - 6PM
Friday: 9AM - 5PM
Saturdays: 10AM - 2PM
Sunday: Closed
Central Time

Instrument trials by appointment

Questions?

NEW LOWER PRICES!  We've recently lowered prices on hundreds of products to serve you better.  In addition to our standard friendly, knowledgeable service,  we are offering free shipping on accessory orders (within the USA).

We will be open on Saturday, September 4th from 10am-2pm,
but closed on Monday, September 6th for Labor Day.