The first Josef oboe I encountered was the M model, and it immediately won my attention with its ease of playing, equal timbre across the registers, and gorgeous, projecting sound.  Since then I have played most of the most popular oboe brands today, but I found myself returning to Josef for its ease, comfortable intonation, and gorgeous, lush sound. I have played my Josef with the St Louis Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Nashville Symphony, and Fort Worth Symphony, as well as in my home orchestra, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, where I serve as Principal Oboe.

I grew up in Cleveland during the John Mack years, and spent my weekends watching the Cleveland Orchestra and learning under their guidance. As such, I was a proud Loree player for many years. That changed when I encountered that first Josef oboe. The bottom register is smooth and easy, forked F has body and beauty in the sound, and third octave short fingerings are amazing, which makes the high register effortless. In my opinion, there is no comparison on the market today to these oboes for what they offer the player who strives for artistry.