Frequently Asked Questions
What key is the oboe in?
Oboe is a non-transposing instrument in the key of C.
English horn is a transposing instrument keyed in F.
Where can I buy an oboe from Carlos?
You can browse available instruments (!) on this website, but all purchases happen after consultation and trial. If you can come to the Houston area, Carlos would love to host you in his shop and let you try instruments in-person. If you’re ready to buy, contact us.
Does Carlos ship overseas or to a P.O. Box?
No, we do not ship overseas.
While we are able to send supplies to a P.O. Box, we cannot ship instruments because UPS (our carrier of choice) does not ship to P.O. Boxes, only physical addresses.
Does Carlos buy used instruments or take ‘trade-ins?’
[Need info from Carlos on this; policy/commission, any other details or just ‘no’]
Do I need to insure my oboe or English horn?
Yes, Carlos’ recommendation is that your instruments be insured. In some cases this may be available through existing insurance policies (homeowner’s, renter’s), but we recommend dedicated instrument insurance for this purpose. If you’d like to read more on this topic and don’t mind taking advice from a bassoon player, here’s a great blog from our friends at Miller Marketing.
Does Carlos service brands other than Lorée?
Yes, Carlos’ recommendation is that your instruments be insured. In some cases this may be available through existing insurance policies (homeowner’s, renter’s), but we recommend dedicated instrument insurance for this purpose. If you’d like to read more on this topic and don’t mind taking advice from a bassoon player, here’s a great blog from our friends at Miller Marketing.
Does Carlos service brands other than Lorée?
Yes, absolutely. Carlos services oboes (!) from a wide range of brands.
How do I adjust my oboe?
If you feel comfortable doing so yourself, we recommend that you start with our Oboe Adjustment Guide. If you’re not comfortable with doing so yourself, we encourage you to contact Carlos.
How much does an oboe cost?
The answer varies widely depending on model, key system and more. For the best information, check out our Oboe Buying Guide.
How do I care for my oboe?
Great question and worth doing right – check out our Oboe Care Guide for how to get started.
How much is my oboe worth?
Need an appraisal or evaluation? That’s a service we gladly offer—visit this page (!) to learn more.
