Top Oboe Brands for Perfect Sound and Craftsmanship

Choosing the right brand of oboe is essential for both beginners and professional musicians seeking optimal performance and sound quality. The market offers a variety of standout brands that are renowned for their craftsmanship, durability, and excellent tone production. Each brand caters to different playing levels and preferences, ensuring that every player can find an instrument that suits their unique style and needs. For an in-depth look at the top brands and what makes them exceptional, please read the information provided below.

Illustration of oboe

Best brands of oboe in 2025

Loree

F. Loree is renowned as one of the premier manufacturers of professional-level oboes, with a history dating back to 1881 when Francois Loree founded the company in Paris, France. Loree oboes are favored by approximately 80% of professional oboists in the US, and the company produces around 1,000 instruments annually, with about 50% of their production sold in the American and Canadian markets. The brand is particularly known for its System 6bis (plateau) oboe, developed in collaboration with Georges Gillet, which is widely used today. Loree offers various bore styles, including the "regular," "ak," and "dm" / "German" bore, catering to different musical needs. The company also produces oboes in different materials, including wood, polymer, and occasionally boxwood. Learn more about F. Loree and its oboes.

Marigaux

Marigaux is a renowned brand in the oboe market, celebrated for its high-quality instruments that have been synonymous with excellence for over 85 years. The company, based in La Couture-Boussey, Normandy, exports its oboes to over 60 countries and is played in the most prestigious orchestras worldwide. Marigaux's instruments are crafted from the finest grenadilla wood from Mozambique, ensuring flawless craftsmanship and incomparable sonority. Notably, the introduction of the M2 model in 2005 revolutionized oboe manufacturing with its interchangeable head-joints. Each instrument is meticulously controlled and fine-tuned by expert technicians and top international players.

Howarth

Howarth of London is renowned as one of the premier manufacturers of oboes, having established its reputation since its founding in 1948. The company produces only 800 oboes annually, with just 200 of these being professional-grade instruments, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship and limited production that contribute to their high quality and value. The use of rare and expensive materials, such as African blackwood, and the extensive labor involved, with artisans boasting at least 20 years of experience, further underscore the brand's commitment to excellence. Howarth oboes are favored by professional oboists worldwide, including notable players like Emily Pailthorpe, who appreciate the instruments' exceptional craftsmanship and performance. The company's focus on oboe production has allowed it to refine its techniques over decades, making Howarth oboes highly sought after. For more information, visit Howarth of London's website.

Yamaha

Yamaha is renowned as one of the leading producers of oboes, known for their clear sound quality and superb intonation, achieved through the dramatic improvement in the precision and stability of the bore. The company's Duet+ models combine precious wood with state-of-the-art resin to address durability issues inherent in wooden wind instruments. Yamaha holds a significant market share in the musical instrument industry, with approximately 23.9% of the global market share as of 2020. Their oboes are available in various models, including custom, professional, and intermediate levels, catering to a wide range of musicians. Yamaha's dominance in the digital musical instruments market, with about 50% share, further underscores their technological and craftsmanship capabilities. For more information, you can explore their oboe collection.

Buffet Crampon

Buffet Crampon is a renowned leader in the production of high-quality oboes, known for its exceptional sound and traditional craftsmanship. The company acquired Rigoutat Paris in 2019, enhancing its presence in the oboe and English horn segment. Buffet Crampon's oboes, such as the Prodige model, feature innovative designs like resin liners to prevent splitting, making them ideal for beginners and professionals alike. With a strong international dimension and collaborations with top musicians, Buffet Crampon continues to innovate and expand its market share. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position as a top brand in the global oboe market.

Fox Products

Fox Products is a renowned American manufacturer of high-quality double-reed instruments, particularly esteemed for its oboes, bassoons, contrabassoons, and English horns. Founded in 1951 by Hugo Fox, a former principal bassoonist of the Chicago Symphony, the company has been a leader in its field for over seven decades. Fox Products produces approximately 20 oboe family instruments per week and is one of the predominant manufacturers of contrabassoons globally. Their instruments, ranging from $3,500 for student oboes to over $40,000 for professional contrabassoons, are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using wood aged for at least seven years. The company's commitment to excellence and innovation has enabled it to weather market fluctuations and maintain a strong presence in the musical instrument industry. For further details, visit the Fox Products website.

F. Lorée Paris

F. Loree, based in Paris, France, is a renowned manufacturer of professional-level double reed musical instruments, particularly in the oboe family, with a history dating back to 1881. The company, founded by Francois Loree, has maintained a dominant position in the market, especially in the U.S., where American and Canadian sales account for about 50% of their total production. Loree is credited with developing the "conservatory plateau system" in 1906, a standard form of the modern oboe, and continues to innovate with models like the ROYAL 125 and Etoile oboes. Their instruments are made from high-quality grenadilla wood, dried for a minimum of 6 to 7 years, and feature silver-plated keys. Loree produces around 1,000 oboes annually, with a significant presence in global markets including Europe, Asia, and South America.

Rigoutat

Rigoutat is renowned as one of the premier oboe manufacturers, particularly celebrated for its free-blowing and free-sounding instruments. Known for their ultimate freedom in playability, Rigoutat oboes are favored by esteemed musicians like Heinz Holliger and Maurice Bourgue. The brand offers a range of models, including the professional "Expression" and the school model "RIEC," which maintains high professional standards. Rigoutat's commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous adjustments to ensure optimal performance, even for challenging fingerings. Their instruments are highly versatile, accommodating various reeds and playing styles. For more information, visit the Rigoutat official website.

Püchner

Puchner is renowned as a premier manufacturer of high-quality woodwind instruments, particularly oboes, known for their free-blowing and free-sounding characteristics. Founded by Vinzenz Puchner in the late 19th century, the company has maintained a strong reputation for craftsmanship and attention to detail, with Gerald and Gabriele Puchner, the fourth-generation owners, continuing to emphasize traditional values and close relationships with musicians. Puchner oboes are appreciated for their dependable tuning and stable sound, making them a favorite among oboists globally. The company has a long history of innovation and adaptation, including overcoming challenges such as wood shortages and expanding their market presence internationally. Puchner's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has solidified their position as a leading brand in the oboe market.

Patricola

Patricola, founded in 1976 by the Patricola brothers, is a renowned Italian company specializing in the production of high-quality oboes and clarinets. About 75% of their manufacturing process is done by hand, ensuring meticulous attention to detail. Their oboes are crafted from premium woods such as Grenadilla and Bubinga, aged for up to 12 years, and feature silver-plated or gold-plated keywork. Patricola instruments are available in various grades, including student, semi-professional, and professional models, and are distributed globally, played by esteemed oboists and clarinetists worldwide. The company's commitment to quality and contemporary design has established it as one of the best producers in the industry. For more information about their oboes, visit their Patricola oboe product page.