Intonation Tendencies of Wind Instruments
Oboe

by
Fred J. Allen, SFA Director of Bands

· The reed is extremely influential on oboe intonation.

· Reed pulled out = flatter, pushed in = sharper

· Good oboists make their own reeds to play at A = 440 with the reed pushed all the way in.  It harms response to pull the reed out because of the "bubble" created in the receiving tube.

· Temperature:  cold = flat, hot = sharp

· Reed strength:  hard reed = sharp, soft reed = flat

· Embouchure:  (sometimes directly related to reed strength) loose embouchure = flat, pinched embouchure = sharp

· Range:  Generally lower register tends toward flatness, but the upper register can go either way depending on the reed and player.  An experienced player tends toward sharpness in the upper register.

· Dynamic level:  Loud = flat, soft = sharp but not as predictable in this factor as clarinet/sax.  It depends so much on the reed.