The FX³ is the latest addition to the Fossati catalog. Martin Gebhart (Swiss oboist and co-founder Aulos Quartet) asked Stéphane Guillaume to make a special boxwood oboe with bell rings in elforyn, patterned from the instruments of the 18th and 19th century. Mr. Gebhart shared with Stéphane his knowledge of the role of the head shape and design of the oboes from this time period. In order to further understand the effects of the material and shape of the finial and head, Stéphane Guillaume created an oboe with modular pieces.
After 3 years of study the FX³ was born. The finials and the bell rings are removable but the overall length of the instrument does not change. Therefore the tuning remains constant. The 3 finials and 3 rings of are all different dimensions and made of different materials and thus, modify the timbre. The bore construction and body design give the instrument great flexibility and ease throughout the dynamic range.
Materials
- Grenadilla wood body
- Platinum-plated keys and posts
- Traditional finial in black elforyn
- Thick finial in white elforyn
- Grenadilla finial with aluminum lining and ring
- Traditional ring in black elforyn
- Thick ring with “closed” bore in white elforyn
- Grenadilla ring with open bore and aluminum ring
Specifications
- Conservatory system
- Lowest note: Bb
- Adjustable thumb rest
- F key for left hand
- Eb key for left and right hands
- Ab key for left and right hands
- 3rd octave key
- Forked F vent
- Bb vent
- Articulated B-C# mechanism
- Gillet key
- Philadelphia system
- Split ring D key
- Ab-Bb key
- D-C# trill keys
- Cork pads on all keys with the exception of leather pads on the low Bb, B and C keys.
Ergonomics
- Long F# plate
Fossati's Innovations
- Double tenon ring
- Adjustment for low BbLeft hand adjustment mechanisms positioned above keys for more precise control
Accessories
- Professional leather case with cover
- Leather case for additional ring and finial sets
- Thumb rest wrench
- Swab
- Reed case