Oboes will require regular maintenance, so newcomers may need the help of an expert to pick the right instrument for them. Yamaha, Schiller, and Selmer are respected brands. For a good new student oboe, budget at least $1,000, although more affordable models and starter kits are available.
An oboe with a semi-automatic system is recommended for novice musicians, because precision is more difficult with the fully-automatic system, which also adds weight to the oboe.