Besides purchasing the instrument itself, the best investment you can make when it comes to playing the oboe is in purchasing a sturdy case that’ll protect it from harm. A case typically costs no more than a couple hundred dollars, and could save you from repairs that can cost double or triple that down the line. Of course, going into the buying process armed with a little bit of information can help make it seamless, which is why we’ve put together this handy guide. From the type of case to finding the perfect fit, here are a few things you should know about buying a case for your oboe.
Case/Bag Type
When it comes to purchasing an oboe case, the first tough decision you’ll make is deciding between a hard or soft case. While soft cases are easier to carry, they just don’t offer the same level of protection as a hard case. If you’ll be traveling far (or often) with your oboe, we cannot recommend a hard case enough. Plus, since parents are often held liable for any damage to a rent or borrowed instrument, it’d be in your best interest to stick with a hard case if you’re still in the renting phase. You can ask your oboe teacher for their opinion, but most professionals agree that a hard case is best.
Primary Material
At the end of the day, material is purely a matter of personal preference–as long as it’s thick and sturdy. Some musicians prefer the look of nylon, while others like plastic or wood. With that in mind, there are a few instances where nylon is a better choice than another material. If you live in an especially rainy area of the country, or are worried about other types of moisture in the air, nylon tends to hold up better to the elements than cases manufacturer from other materials. Alternately, you can purchase waterproof sleeves for your oboe case that many case manufacturers sell separately.
Consider a Lock
Depending on where you plan on traveling with your oboe, you may wish to purchase an oboe case that has a built-in lock. Some oboe players intend to travel around the world with their oboe, while others plan on staying close to home. Regardless, purchasing a case with a lock can add an extra level of security that could make you more comfortable with taking your oboe from place to place. Some cases have built-in locks that are TSA-approved, meaning the locks won’t cause problems at an airport. Even if you don’t purchase a case with a lock, you can always purchase a combination lock if you change your mind later on.
Find the Perfect Fit
Once you purchase a case, or head to your local music store to try a few out, make sure your oboe fits snugly. When you place your oboe in its case, it must not move in any direction–if it moves up and down or side to side, it won’t offer the same level of protection as a case that holds your oboe snugly in place. Whether you purchased a used case or your current case has lost some of its padding, a temporary fix is filling the gaps with bubble wrap. Just keep in mind that this is a temporary solution and a case with bubble wrap should not be used long-term. Alternately, you can take your case to a luggage store for a professional fix.
Buy Online & Save
An oboe is an expensive purchase, which is why finding an adequate case is so important. That’s why so many parents just like you turn to Music & Arts. With over 150 stores across 24 states and over 150,000 educator-approved products on our website, you’ll find one of the largest selections of band and orchestra instruments and accessories at Music & Arts. If you have questions about the specifics of a particular oboe case, contact us and we’ll be happy to help. With one of the largest product offerings in the world, we offer educator-approved band instruments and accessories, including a variety of oboe cases from some of the most trusted brands in the industry.