The Mistral Oboe CM is a professional oboe designed and manufactured with the objective of achieving the best intersection of quality and price in the market. It's tone response and ergonomics closely matches the Loree playing experience, and it does so for less than half the price. I field tested the oboe and compared my playing experience to my Loree AK and Howarth XL oboes. I was very pleased with the instrument, and immediately recognized its great value and musical potential.
Field Test Results
My Mistral CM had a beautiful even scale, and was highly responsive to the top of the oboe range. In fact high notes spoke more easily than my Loree or Howarth. It had a very pleasing tone that was dark, but not quite as dark as my personal instruments. I attributed it to a subtle difference in the roundness of the tone that may not be discernible to all but the most advanced players. The Mistral CM is made of Grenadilla (all joints), as most accomplished players would seek. It does not have a top joint sleeve that reduces cracks, though it has key inserts that serve that purpose. It has a full conservatory system, including split ring D, third octave key, left hand F (see below). It probably does not have the silver concentration in the key work that the premium oboes have, but the key work did not feel soft. The weight of the oboe was actually a few ounces heavier than my Loree. To me, this suggested that there was a commitment to professional grade bore thickness and key weight.
Value Proposition
Oboes are very expensive. A $10,000 investment in a new premium oboe may be necessary for conservatory bound students and professionals, but most others need viable options that are compatible with where they are in their musical lives. Most student and intermediate oboes are overpriced for what they are, and some oboes are marketed as professional grade when they are not, so do your research. Be extra careful on sites with a lot of student and intermediate oboes, especially when information about their function is sparse. The value proposition for this oboe is excellent for recreational to serious students, adult amateurs and professional doublers. In my opinion, anyone looking for an excellent oboe will not find a better choice at this price point.
Competitive Edge By Price Point
I have experience with some, though not all of the oboes in the intermediate to professional grades. I surveyed the market for this price point, and could find no competitors that matched the quality and function of this instrument. This includes having a full conservatory system, and having the tonal capabilities that the most advanced players seek.
Manufacturing/Maintenance
The design of this oboe is the product of a collaboration between Miller Marketing (a pioneer in overseas manufacturing of oboes) and Carlos Coehllo, a master technician and Loree expert in the states. Its design and function bumps up against Loree and other premium oboes (90-95%) which permits players to sound their best. While manufactured in China, these oboes are finished here in the USA. This oboe is new to the market, so most servicing will be done by Miller Marketing until there is a need for an expansion of the servicing network. Oboe is covered by a 1 year limited warranty.
Professional Oboe Resource
As a concierge oboe reed maker, I consult with customers on all kinds of oboe related matters. I would be happy to help you navigate your options. I offer honest information on what might be best for you, even if it does not include the purchase of a Mistral CM. E-mail me at Info@MagicReed.com to schedule a consultation and include a call back number.
- Grenadilla Upper Joint
- Grenadilla Lower Joint and Bell
- Nickel Silver Lined Tenon Sockets
- Nickel Silver Cap for Lower Joint
- Nickel Silver Key work – Silver plated
- Cork & Leather Pads
- Nylon Inserts in C-D Trill, B-C# Trill & B keys
- Adjustable Thumb Rest
- Full Conservatory System
- Left Hand F Key
- F Resonance Mechanism
- F# Key Tab
- B Tab
- Articulated C# Mechanism
- Ab-Bb Trill
- G#-A Trill
- Low C-C# Trill
- Low Bb with Resonance Vent
- Split Ring Mechanism
- Third Octave Key
- Deluxe French Style Case with Nylon Cover
- Includes Reed case, Silk Swab, Cork Grease and Tenon Caps
- Option – “Philadelphia D Key”
- Also included are: Case, case cover as shown. Reed case, swab, polishing cloth and screw driver.