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