Learn About the Unique Bass Oboe and Where to Find Them for Sale

The Unique Sound of the Bass Oboe

The bass oboe, also known as the baritone oboe, is a double reed instrument in the woodwind family. It is about twice the size of a regular oboe and sounds one octave lower, giving it a very deep, rich tone. While not as common as other woodwinds like the flute or clarinet, the bass oboe has carved out a niche in both orchestral and solo repertoire thanks to its distinctive voice.

The History and Development of the Bass Oboe

The bass oboe has its origins in the mid 19th century, when French instrument makers Adolphe Sax and Frederic Triébert independently developed instruments they called the bassoboe and contre-hautbois. These early bass oboes were made of wood, had a conical bore, and used a double reed mouthpiece like the regular oboe. Sax's design gained more popularity and led to the establishment of the bass oboe as a permanent member of the woodwind family.

Over the next hundred years, further advancements were made to the keywork and bore shape of the bass oboe. Modern models are made from grenadilla or plastic resin and have a slightly wider, more cylindrical bore compared to Sax's original conical design. This gives the contemporary bass oboe a bit more projection and evenness throughout its range. The full eight octave range remains unchanged from the original contrabassoon-like conception. Most bass oboes are pitched in C, though some are pitched in F for convenience when notating their concert pitch repertoire.

The Use of Bass Oboes in Orchestral and Solo Settings

The bass oboe first started appearing in orchestral scores in the late 19th century, typically used to reinforce the bass line and add new colors. Works like Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloe, and Holst’s The Planets famously feature the instrument. Modern composers like John Williams and Thomas Newman have also written prominent bass oboe parts in film scores. Its somber, melancholic tone suits these dramatic settings well.

As a solo instrument, the bass oboe repertoire is more limited, but there are still great works that showcase its capabilities. Solo pieces have been written for it by Gottfried von Einem, Gordon Jacob, and Alfred Janson, among others. There are also many bass oboe concertos, including those by Vladimir Cosma, Lou Harrison, and Donald Erb which explore the instrument's virtuosic side. All in all, there are enough original solo and chamber music works to sustain an active performer on the rare instrument.

Finding Bass Oboes for Purchase or Rental

For those looking to take up this unique double reed instrument, bass oboes are available for purchase or rental from some instrument manufacturers and retailers. The main companies that produce bass oboes are F. Lorée, Marigaux, Bulgheroni, and Fossati. Models range in price from about $4,000 to $9,000 for professional quality bass oboes made from grenadilla wood. There are also more affordable plastic resin options for students priced between $2,000-$3,000.

Major musical instrument retailers like Woodwind Brasswind and Allied Music carry a selection of bass oboe models for sale. You can also find used instruments through private dealers, auction sites, and classified ads. When buying used, be sure to inspect the instrument carefully and only purchase from reputable sellers with a return policy. Seek out bass oboes made by the top manufacturers for the best quality.

Renting a bass oboe is possible from some music stores and instrument rental companies, though selection is typically limited given their rarity. Places like Woodwind Brasswind, Allied Music, and Midwest Musical Imports offer bass oboe rentals ranging from $30-$60 per month. Renting first can be a good way to try out the instrument before fully committing to buy one.

Playing Technique and Handling for Bass Oboes

The bass oboe is played using similar technique to other double reed instruments. It requires expertise in reed making and management, controlled airflow support from the diaphragm, and precise fingering technique on the key system. Good posture is also important when supporting the larger instrument. The reed itself is quite stiff to manage the low vibrations and needs to be well maintained.

Special care needs to be taken when handling the instrument as it is more sensitive than robust instruments like the saxophone. Avoid knocks or drops that could damage the precision keywork, delicate reed, and thin wood body prone to cracks. Swabbing out the bore after playing is also crucial to prevent build up of condensation and debris that could affect the bore and tone.

Serious study on bass oboe takes dedication to master the new embouchure, fingering, and pitch tendencies. The skills do translate somewhat from experience playing related double reeds like oboe or English horn, making bass oboe a common secondary instrument for those musicians.

Using Bass Oboe in a Variety of Musical Genres

While most strongly associated with orchestral and classical music, the bass oboe has also made appearances in other genres. Its Archie Shepp and Yusef Lateef employed it in avant-garde and free jazz contexts. It has also been used by rock artists like The Doors and Paul McCartney to add an exotic double reed color. The bass oboe can fit well into any setting where a brooding, contemplative tone is desired.

In pop music, the bass oboe is less common but could be a creative way to reinforce bass lines in ballads or melancholic songs. Its sound would blend in nicely with somber acoustic accompaniment and evocative vocals. For those interested in more experimental or atmospheric genres, the bass oboe can lend its unique voice to produce intriguing effects when processed electronically or combined with other instruments.

Thanks to its versatile yet highly distinctive sound, the bass oboe has firmly established its place in the music world. For oboists or double reed players looking for a new challenge, or anyone desiring that haunting bass oboe quality in their compositions, this instrument is worth exploring.

FAQs

What is the range of the bass oboe?

The bass oboe has a range of around eight octaves, from the Bb below middle C to the F nearly three octaves higher. Its written range is from Bb1 to F5 but sounds one octave lower due to its transposing nature.

What musicians use the bass oboe?

Orchestral oboists and other double reed players like bassoonists may learn bass oboe as a secondary instrument. It also attracts some clarinet, saxophone, and flute players who are drawn to its unique tone. Soloists who specialize in bass oboe also exist, but are rarer.

What reeds are used for the bass oboe?

Bass oboes use large double reeds, similar to those used by bassoon or contrabassoon players. However, bass oboe reeds are thicker and more rigid to withstand the high pressure needed to produce its extremely low tones.

How much does a bass oboe cost?

Professional quality bass oboes range in price from about $4,000 to $9,000. Student models made from resin instead of grenadilla wood cost between $2,000 and $3,000. Renting a bass oboe is also an option, typically ranging from $30 to $60 per month.

What musicians have used the bass oboe in rock/pop music?

Paul McCartney and The Doors are two famous rock groups who have featured bass oboe. Its somber, haunting tone works well to add color in genres beyond classical and orchestral settings.