An oboe is a rare, double reed woodwind instrument. It is a pain in the ass to play, and everybody who plays it thinks that they are the greatest musician in their band, though they are mistaken at least 50% of the time. It is a stupidly complicated instrument; it has three different fingerings for one note and most times when you break it nobody will know how to fix it. Only people who can afford a $3,000 instrument and private lessons play the oboe and don't quit after a year. People who play the oboe are most commonly edgy, self-obsessed, antisocial, and in some sort of Honors or AP program. They will quit the band program if they are not first chair out of spite. Oboists are usually the smartest people, but also the most irritating to be around. An oboe can make a beautiful sound, but only if you can afford a $30 reed which has a tendency to break a day after you buy it. More commonly you'll hear them at concerts as that loud and obnoxious person everybody wishes would quit the band program but doesn't. Playing the oboe also requires the purchase of a shot glass and cigarette papers, so most people think that you're either an alcoholic or chronic smoker. It's not easy being an oboist.
by KineticCookie April 10, 2019
A beautiful instrument, in looks as well as in sound. It is a slender black tube with silver keys (generally), with a reed sticking out of the top. No ligature is required. It is in the double reed family, which means it is played by blowing on two reeds in such a way that they vibrate. A crow is when one plays on the reed itself, making a noise that resembles a crow call. The noise of an oboe is a rich, penetrating noise. It has a decent range, going all the way up to a high almost-squeak. Gorgeous when played right, and takes many years to master. Considered one of the world's hardest instrument to learn, but well worth it.
by BeeJee May 15, 2007
by melonmonkey889 April 15, 2011
the awsomest instrument ever.sumper cool.DOESNT SOUND LIKE A DUCK!!!!! sounds more like a nice little penguin.
by hippie123456789 May 18, 2008
An awesome woodwind instrument which the whole orchestra tunes to. Produces a beautiful pure sound usually meant for slow sad pieces but sometimes for light and quick pieces.
by wizaloopxxx March 3, 2015
A double reed woodwind instrument played in treble clef and pitched in C. A musician who plays the oboe is called an oboist. It resembles the clarinet in terms of outward appearance. In comparison to other woodwind instruments, the oboe has a clear and penetrating voice. The oboe is said to be the instrument that most resembles the human singing voice due to the nature of double reeds and their similarity to the human vocal bands (Ligamenta vocalia). It is beautiful when played by good player; duck-like when played by a mediocre player. Considered one of the hardest instruments in the world.
by Ragna the Bloodedge October 11, 2009
A double reeded (the same group as the basoon and English horn) woodwind instrument in the key of C. Infamous amoung bands and orchestras for being difficult to master. Mediocre players often get caught playing very flat, causing a tune much like a duck. However, when played in tune, it plays a distinctivley high and harmonic sound often used in movies to create a more depressed or romantic tune, however they are often used in the harmony of more upbeat arrangements to balance out the low brass section. Looks much like a clarinet, however its body is much thinner and it plays without a ligature. Its double reeds are often made fun of in addition, as they are too delicate to be softened by saliva and have to be wetted using water.
by You're mom XD rawr January 5, 2017