content created by Evgeniya Molotkova, BS and David Cyzak, DMA (July 7, 2025)
Definitions:
Oboe: a double-reed woodwind instrument having a conical tube, a brilliant penetrating tone, and a usual range from B flat below middle C upward for over 2¹/₂ octaves (Meriam-Webster 2025).
English Horn: a double-reed woodwind instrument resembling the oboe in design but having a longer tube and a range a fifth lower than that of the oboe (Meriam-Webster 2025)
Supplementary Devices:
Key extensions
Key extensions on an oboe are modifications to the instrument's key mechanism, often used to improve ergonomics, reach, or playability. An example of modified keywork includes lengthening the left F key to allow the left-hand fifth finger to more easily activate the key. Other examples include broadening a key’s surface area for better hand ergonomics (such as soldering a nickel or metal disk to the left hand fourth digit G key), filling in key holes to avoid the need for full closure (such as the left-hand fourth digit’s G key), and bending the half-hole D key’s half hole flange up (utilized by the left-hand second digit) to make half-hole key actuation easier. It can be helpful to explore modification options with expert instrument repair professionals or the instrument makers/ manufacturers themselves. Often, these are the best people to assist with advanced and highly individualized modifications, as they are specialized instrument makers. These individuals can completely reshape and form any aspect of an instrument to a desired specification.
Thumb rests
A thumb rest can help alleviate wrist pain and increase comfort caused by the instrument's inherent weight and the way that weight is distributed on the thumb. While the simplest thumb rests can be easily attached and removed, the range of options available varies from small and lightweight items to more robust and complex devices that require drilling into the instrument for installation (Diehl 2016). To observe the stress exhibited on the musician’s thumb and the impact of removing that stress, the musician can try playing without using their right-hand thumb. They can do this safely by sitting down in a chair with their instrument in hand, and get into playing position with their bell resting on the chair. With the weight of the instrument supported by the seat of the chair, they can then try playing the instrument without their righthand thumb supporting the instrument. An array of thumb rest options is provided below.
- Gel Pencil Grip: A low-cost, simple option that alleviates the strain caused by bare metal or the thin cork of a standardthumb rest and slippage between thumb and instrument. Use scissors to cut the material to the desired size and place it over the currently installed thumb rest.
- Cushion Thumb Rest: Made from a variety of plastic or foam materials, these rests fit over the currently installed thumbrest to provide additional cushioning and offer a broader base of support for the thumb.
- Custom Thumb Rest: Having a current instrument receive modifications from an instrument repair person can allow fora custom option to widen the current thumb rest or add material to create more space between the barrel and the thumb, which allows the fingers of the right hand to play at a more comfortable angle.
- Dutch Thumb Rest: A two-piece thumb rest comprised of a wider metal/cork thumb rest and a stone or hard materialpiece that sits on the base of the oboe cylinder. They provide a wider thumb rest and platform for the thumb. They must be installed on the oboe and may require additional screws to be drilled into the instrument.
- Kooiman Style Thumb Rest: This thumb rest disperses the weight of the instrument to two parts of the thumb. Installedonto the oboe with screws, there is a large thumb rest pad and an arm that supports the thumb further down. The Etude model is made of plastic, is more affordable, and less adjustable, while the Maestro model is made of more metal components, is more adjustable, and more expensive.
Neck Straps, Peg and Hook Support Systems
The neck strap is worn around the player’s neck and attached to the thumb rest. The strap should be tight enough to partially support the weight of the instrument, but not so tight that the reed is forced too far into the oboist’s mouth. Some neck straps are elastic, to allow for more natural movement while playing. (23). An array of neck strap and peg/hook support system options is provided below.
- Attaching Neck Straps: When attaching a neck strap hook to an instrument, ideally, a metal ring is already soldered tothe thumb rest to receive the hook. Often, that ring is too small to receive standard hooks not designed for oboe or English horn, or there is no ring at all. To resolve this challenge, a leather adapter can be placed over the thumb rest to accommodate the neck strap hook, or a metal ring can be soldered onto the thumb rest by a repair technician to secure the neck strap hook.
- Oboe/English Horn Neck Straps: These neck straps, available in elastic or non-elastic options, can be adjusted to thedesired length to support the oboe or English horn. The weight of the instrument should rest on the neck strap to ensure the support provided alleviates the strain on the thumb. Once the neck strap receives the weight, the thumb can then be placed comfortably in that position, or the length of the strap can be adjusted accordingly. When selecting a neck strap, consider that the oboe and English horn have relatively small thumb rest rings compared to the saxophone, clarinet, or bassoon.
- Zen Neck Strap: This neck strap has a medal extender to release pressure and special materials for extra comfort. • Malzer-Support: This neck strap/support redistributes the weight of the instrument away from the neck and onto the shoulder and abdomen.
- Peg (Sitting/ Standing): Depending on the style, pegs are either attached to the thumb rest (for chair pegs) or the bellof the instrument (for floor pegs). Both style pegs are meant to help lessen the weight of the instrument.
- Hook Support: This support can attach to a music or microphone stand and support the weight of the oboe by restingthe bell onto this system. One such device is called the Weight Reduction Instrumental System Technology (W.R.I.S.T.).
References
Aleo, Angela Lickiss author., ; Erin Wehr thesis advisor.;The oboe and English horn works of Ross Edwards and his place in Australian music University of Iowa. School of Music.
D.M.A.: University of Iowa: 2016. Iowa City, Iowa : University of Iowa May 2016
Diehl, S. L. (2016). A Selected Review of Prevention and Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Musculoskeletal
Performance-Related Injuries Common Among Oboists [University of Miami].
Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, s.v. “oboe,” accessed June 25, 2025, https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/oboe (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oboe).
“English horn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/English%20horn (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/English%20horn). Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.