Mistral Oboe CM- Affordable Oboe With Professional Sound

The Mistral Oboe CM is designed and manufactured with the objective of achieving the best intersection of quality. It's tone, response and ergonomics closely match 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 tone, and was highly responsive to the top of the oboe range. In fact high notes spoke more easily than my Loree or Howarth. 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).  The silver coating in the keywork is similar to intermediate level oboeds.  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 and their budgets. 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.  

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, with an extra service through my master technician.   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.  This product is sold off-site only.

• Grenadilla Upper Joints 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.