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Is the oboe’s low range good for melody?
I’m a pretty experienced composer (if I may say so myself), but I still have things to learn about woodwinds. Is the oboe’s lower range (around D) ok for melody, or will it sound too “honky” and awkward. Thanks.

The first answer was this:

For the oboe’s best sound, stay in or above the staff and out of the bottom range.

Truth be told, a low oboe can sound quite lovely. I do hate it when we have to start on low B flat or B. Go figure.