The Bass Oboe is a treble-clef instrument in C, transposing down an octave. The (written) range is from 'B' below the treble clef staff up to 'F' above the staff, though higher notes are possible.

The tone quality of the Bass Oboe resembles that of the low register of the English horn. Click here to hear the bass oboe featured in an arrangement of Basin Street Blues.

Despite the large size, the Bass Oboe is a rather quiet instrument, not of much use in loud, thickly orchestrated passages (for this a Heckelphone is more approiate). However, the Bass Oboe has a definate place as the foundation of an oboe ensemble.

Want a chance to play a bass oboe? Have an extra $200 laying around? I can help. Bass oboes can be rented from Forrests Music and a private party that can be reached via Cygnet Studios. The Forrests instrument is a Loree grenadilla wood model. The one available through Cygnet is truly a one of a kind instrument. It is the only Bass Oboe built by the Loree firm in Violetwood.