I played on an AK for years and adored it, switched to a Royal and loved it even more.... but I have recently converted to a Howarth XL. I would definitely recommend trialing a couple of different instruments if you have the opportunity. Let the shop know what you are interested in, likes and dislikes and see if they have any recommendations as well. I went in to trials whole heartedly intending to buy another Loree. I never thought I would like any other oboe as much as my Lorees, but there was something magical about that Howarth.

@Elizabeth Glee Devereaux don’t be afraid to trial the same oboe in different woods either. I also trialed an XL in grenadilla and did not like it at all. I have always played on granadilla, but I ended up choosing a lined XL in cocobola.

Wow, this is lovely! Thank you for sharing!