hannahsoboes.com
Established 1999
hannah selznick, Sole Proprietor
Email: bhappy4us@aol.com
Testimonials
References Available Upon Request
"Dear Hannah- Thank you so much for being the "Oboe Fairy" for our family. Ross decided to keep the Fox, so we are returning the Yamaha to you. Thank you also for the handmade reed, fingering charts and poster. Charts are helpful with the new keys on the Fox. P.S. I'm spreading the word about you!! Sincerely, Elaine." Pennsylvania, July, 2008.
"Hannah, You may use my words on your testimony page......I think you have been amazing to work with and we couldn't be happier with finding you and the oboe! As we were in the process of looking for oboes, we were hoping to find someone honest and with integrity. It was obvious in the first few minutes of speaking with you, that you were both of those things. We also appreciated the knowledge that you have about the Oboe. You were able to set our minds at ease as we decided to make the purchase from you. Hannah, thank you for being the Oboe Fairy. You are exactly what we were hoping to find! I just wanted to give you an update with Erika and her audition today. She was the last one to audition and she did very well. She made it into the Symphonic Band, Orchestra and an honor 4 piece woodwind quartet! She is very excited...but the great thing is what the lady holding the auditions said to Erika as she walked out the door....first she shook my hand and then told me how good her oboe sounds and that this oboe is doing good for her. Now this is the same lady who has auditioned her every year up there, so to know that she noticed a difference in her oboes was a very nice thing considering we just made this big purchase! So, thank you for providing us with such a nice oboe and for the time you spent with Erika this past week. It is greatly appreciatied. Laura." Mesa, Arizona, June, 2008.
"Hannah, You have done it again! Another very satisfied customer. After all of the glowing reviews from my son's school teacher to summer lessons teacher to our local professional oboe/bassoon shop, we have decided to purchase the Fox 330 oboe. They said that the oboe was in fantastic condition and an excellent value. Thanks for supplying a reed and all of the other little extras to go with it. I have been told that our yearly cost to own this instument will be less than renting a lesser quality oboe from the local music shop. Thanks again from my son and myself, Chuck." Minnesota, June, 2008.
"Dear Hannah, The oboe is absolutely perfect in every way. Thank you so much! I can't wait to see the new case cover. I named my oboe Ticheli after Frank Ticheli who wrote one of my favorite songs, 'A Shaker Gift Song.' I am so excited and I will treasure it forever! Thanks again! Love, Kirsten." Georgia, May, 2008.
"Dear Hannah, Many thanks for the nice oboe. My daughter loves it!. Best regards, James." Boston, May, 2008.
"Hi Hannah, The Fox 330 Oboe arrived safely this afternoon at my office. I waited until I got home this evening to carefully unpack the Fox oboe. Your method of packaging is very secure! The handling by FedEx showed no dents or rips to your packaging! I really am impressed at your gift wrapping of the oboe inside the case! Oboes Rule! I spent about an hour this evening looking at and playing the oboe. The oboe is every thing that you described in your email. The keywork is spotless and the body next to perfect. Also, I was impressed that the Fox Renard name is clearly readable on the bell. This particular oboe appears to have not been played very much. The serial number indicates that this Fox oboe was made in the first couple of months in 1995. I am looking forward to this weekend so that I will have a little more time to play and explore the oboe. I have located my Oboe method books and orchestral parts, so it should be a very musically busy weekend.
Thank you for the handy fingering and trill charts, reed, reed case and feather. They are really great! I will be in touch with you after this coming weekend. Thank you for all your expertise and patience........... I have decided to purchase the Fox 330. It is a beautiful, well maintained and easy playing instrument. During the past week, I played on the oboe several times..... Again, thank you for your honesty, knowledge and patience." Tom, Chicago, May, 2008.
"Hannah, Thought I would drop a line about one of your instruments and the girl that plays it. Kelly received the Presser Scholarship at the end of her junior year and will graduate this May with an oboe performance degree from Central Michigan University. She will student teach this fall and has been offered a full grad assistantship in oboe performance at CMU to begin in January. Her senior recital was way back in January so she would have all of her audition music complete. Her original intention was to go immediately to grad school and bypass her student teaching so she could receive a masters in music theory and oboe and teach at the collegiate level. Things do change. She plays her English horn semi professionally whenever she can get a gig. Usually in Midland, Michigan. Dow Chemical is home there and gives a lot of money to the musical art societies. She just completed her area recital on your d'amore and was chosen to represent the woodwind studios at the honors recital. Her trio (oboe, clarinet and bassoon) was selected to perform for the schools appreciation concert called Opus. This is a concert that the financial contributors attend. Kelly has sat principal oboe in CMU's top instrumental groups, the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra since the second semester of her freshman year. She has done well. In part because of your assistance with the English horn and d'amore. I thank you for this." Bob, Kelly's father, April, 2008.
"Dear Hannah, ...Most importantly I want to thank you for helping me buy an oboe for Sara. (She will be performing in the state competition next month.) While staying on a tight budget, we want to provide quality instruments for our children as their interests and talents are discovered and are developing.
The first day I spoke to you on the phone I found you to be a delightful, wonderful person! I was so nervous to shop for an instrument I don't play and know little about. Something about you put me at ease and I really enjoyed working with you. I appreciated how you walked me through confirming my choice of which make and model would meet my daughters needs and fit in my price range.
When I told my daughter's teacher the price of the instrument, she was expecting to see a piece of junk, as was so often her experience with mail-order used instruments. She was shocked to find a clean, beautiful instrument. But how well would it perform? Each test she gave the oboe, it passed beautifully. In all her years she had seldom if ever come across such a value in a used oboe. I wish you could have seen her smile of amazement. My daughter and I were relieved and thrilled!
I had been so sure that choosing an oboe would be a long frustrating process resulting in spending a great deal more money and/or purchasing an inferior instrument.
Thank you for your careful attention to my family's needs. Thank you for the extra goodies you sent along with the oboe. My daughter has made good use of them.
I so appreciated your assurance that I could return the oboe if we were not happy. Although I am a stranger you will never meet, you treated me as a trusted friend. I was drawn to you and really hoped our teacher would like the oboe so I would not have to return it. There is something very special and good about you.
Best wishes to you and your business. Our son has picked up the English horn that school has for him to use his senior year. Who knows, maybe he will be in the market for his own someday and we will call on you again. Warmly, Linda," Wisconsin, April 10, 2008.
"Hi Hannah, I want to thank you again for the superb oboe and all of your help. You have been so patient with me and tolerated all of my e-mails . I finally have the oboe of my dreams, thanks to you!!! Thanks again!!!!!!!!!
I was wondering if you sell oboe reeds. The reed you sent me was ABSOLUTLEY PERFECT!!!!! It worked greatly!!! Please tell me the prices if you do sell them, THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!" Dylan, New Jersey, April 10, 2008.
"Hi Hannah, Yes, We are VERY, pleased with the Oboe and Dylan is ecstatic! He has been playing it & polishing it up, since UPS arrived with it this afternoon!.... We will be making the purchase!! He will make good use of it!! Thank you for your patience with Dylan and all his questions & Emails! It has been a pleasure making this purchase through you. You've been wonderful! Your patience, sincerity and trust are amazing & I am so happy that Dylan was lucky enough to find you and this beautiful Oboe!.....Thanks, for outstanding service & a wonderful deal on a beautiful Loree Oboe!" Kim, New Jersey, April 4, 2008.
"Hannah, Thank you for such a smooth transaction. Bless You!" Sally, March 20, 2008, Missouri.
"Hannah, I am just writing to let you know how happy my daughter is with her new oboe. She played with it in her first regional band concert, which was made up of top students in southern Connecticut. The concert was outstanding and she felt great about her own performance. Her teacher is equally pleased with the new instrument and how it is motivating her to work hard. Thank you again." Eileen, Connecticut, March, 2008. (A second note received following an oboe purchase in February.)
"Ms. Sleznick, I've decided to purchase the Fox 400....Thank you for allowing me to try the oboes, and a special 'thank you' for the reed!" Jarrett, Georgia, March 21, 2008.
"I just want to say thank you again for all of your help! I've been waiting 9 years to buy an oboe, and I 'm extremely satisfied with my choice! I look forward to doing business again with you in the future." Maxine, California, March 15, 2008.
"We've decided to purchase the Fox oboe. Charli loves it and it's a great instrument at a great price.... Thanks again. You've made an aspiring oboist (and her parents) happy. Music has always been an important part of my life, and I'm excited to see my children starting down a musical path." Pat, Wisconsin, March 15, 2008.
"Thank you so much for your extraordinarily prompt and courteous service, excellent oboes, terrific prices, fingering charts and accessories, and especially for the reeds! I am convinced that the process was a whole lot quicker, cheaper, and with less hassle than if I would have dealt with someone else. I will definitely recommend you to anyone who might be in the market for an instrument, and I hope we will have an oportunity to do business again in the future." Bob, New Mexico, March 3, 2008.
"Dear Hannah, Thanks so much for all your help! My daughter very much loves her "new" horn. She started rehearsals this week in the wind symphony, an "audition only" ensemble to which she was invited to 2 weeks ago. All is again right with the world. Thanks again for everything. We'll certainly recommend you to anyone we hear of who is looking for an oboe!. Thanks again for your friendly assistance and incredible service! You turned what had been a worrisome desperate search into a joy! Best regards." Mike, Washingston, February 20, 2008.
"Dear Hannah, my daughter is thrilled with the horn and can't wait to play it at college. I want to thank you for the speedy transaction and your professional expertise in finding this horn for her. I am sure she will enjoy this instrument for many years to come." Brenda, Long Island, NY, February 22, 2008.
"Hannah, Thank you for finding the Fox 520 English Horn. I already love the instrument and can't stop looking at it. It is beautiful. Thanks, also, for the fingering charts and the Loree Oboe poster. I will start playing the English Horn this week in the orchestra pit for 'Fiddler on the Roof.' I can't wait." Lauren, Brenda's daughter, February, 2008.
"Hi Hannah, my daughter's teachers looked over the oboes at her lesson yesterday and thought both were just fine. We decided to go with the Fox. I gave the teacher your business card and she said she definitely would recommend you to students looking for new oboes. It has been a pleasure working with you. If my satisfaction is your pleasure, you should be quite pleased indeed." Eileen, Connecticut, February 20, 2008.
"Ms. Selznick, I wanted to thank you for all you've done for me this week trying to help me reach for one of my dreams. I am really excited and appreciative of the wonderful instrument that you have made available to me. " Courtney, Arizona, February 2, 2008.
"Hello, Rachel is beaming from ear to ear. She likes both, but likes the wooden oboe best. Her teacher has not been a huge help with the decision, she had made it by herself. I have asked her to bring the plastic one to me so I can ship it back. Thank you so much for everything you have done. It has made this experience a little less painful. " Becky S., Minnesota, January 29, 2008.
"Hannah, Thank you again for your generosity. Christopher loves the Fox oboe. The sound that comes out of it is amazing. " Melissa M., Orange Park, FL, January 26, 2008.
"Ms. Hannah Selznick, I just wanted to let you know that the oboe is a success. At first the fingering was difficult, but my spouse dug up some old music that she had kept around and her fingers have begun to "remember". Because of her singing, breath isn't a problem, but the embouchure is going to take a while. The only long term problem is that our scotty seems to enjoy singing along. Again, thank your for your assistance.
Peace, Bruce. San Jose, CA. (A Christmas 2007 Surprise for his wife).
"Yes, the oboes did arrive today!!!! I have been playing and playing and playing!!!! The reed is working great. I am having so much fun!!!! Thanks!" Nan, San Antonio, Texas, December 26, 2007.
"I just finished my first day of playing Nutcracker, and I had such a great time with my new Loree English horn. I had lots of really great compliments from orchestra members-- including one person who told me that if that was a school EH I should talk to my teacher about buying it since I sounded so good on it! Someone else just commented that I sounded like I was completely comfortable on that EH. When I told them that I'd had it in my possession for only a week, they didn't believe me! As the fates would have it, everything lined up, and I'm completely convinced that this is the right horn for me. I wanted to let you know how wonderful it was to play that EH tonight and how much everything you've done to make it work out means to me. Thanks so much! Tonight was one of those nights that I'll remember for the rest of my life--and it wouldn't have happened without QW series EH." D.P, Arizona, December, 2007.
"Dear Hannah....Thanks again for your assistance, passion, and generosity. We are very happy with the Fox 400 oboe......I am very happy with the entire transaction and believe this oboe will work well for my son. I am glad we decided to go with this choice. It is a beautiful instrument and I look forward to listening to my son playing it for years to come. We will of course take proper care of it and I have been working with my son on this. We are following the break-in instructions you enclosed. My son told his music teacher yesterday he couldn't play any longer as he had reached the 15 minute time limit for that session. Thanks again for your assistance in the selection and the wonderful transaction. I would be happy to serve as a reference if needed. Wish you continued success and happiness." Christopher, Georgia. Octoboer, 2007.
"Thank you, and you may go ahead and deposit the check. This has been a fun and educational experience. Thank you. Hope to do business in the future with you. Probably won't be for a few years but should my daughter really get proficient - we may have to step up a little.. smile." Justine, Texas. November, 2007.
This Testimonial was posted on THE OBOE BULLETIN BOARD...October 1, 2007.
"Just a follow-up to all who's been reading this. After a long ardous process and trying at home at least 3 oboes and trying at RDG and Michelle Forrest more oboes (new and used) -
We eventually purchased an oboe from Hannah's Oboe. She essentially offered the best oboe at the price range we were comfortable with $3-$4k. Bottom line was that she was quite accomodating, and put us at ease with the purchase - she even offered to meet somewhere as she was planning to come to LA (to watch Dodgers beat Diamondbacks ;-0 )
This is not to say that we wouldn't have bought from RDG and Michelle Forrest - just that Hannah had the best deal for us based on the age and condition of the oboe.
We were quite fortunate i think to have 2 good local sources for trying out oboes as well as a source of expertise. In the end trying out as many oboes as possible gave us the confidence in picking which oboe to buy.
BTW, the oboe we bought was a Loree, AK+3 model
One word of advice for those in the same predicament - have a method for trying out the oboes, there was a recent post which referred to an IDRS column. here's the link: http://idrs.colorado.edu/Publications/DR/DR14.3/DR14.3.Dunkel.Guide.html
Unfortunately we didn't have this in the course of trying out oboes. as my daughter is still in 'training' , she didn't have a clue how to evaluate methodically other than playing a couple of scales, some measures (hi & low) and favorite passages." Caesar....Irvine, CA.
"Hannah, I cannot wait for my oboe lesson. Thank you ever so much for all your kindness! I hope we do a nice job. Graham P.S. Your ice tea will be ready when you get here!!! :-)"
Hannah.....I love this oboe. We’ve decided to keep it!!! Thanks for all your help. It is truly a pleasure to do business with you – I greatly appreciate all the advice, the nice extras you sent with the oboe, and your integrity. I can tell you do this for the love of music and oboes, and not for less altruistic reasons!!! My daughter’s oboe teacher checked out the oboe yesterday, and found it to be in great condition. His only concern was that it didn’t have the G#--A trill, but it is still a big step up from her current instrument!!! I’d be happy to supply references for you at any time. Thanks SO much…. - Jenny, San Diego, CA May 2007
Hannah
"Thanks for your kindness and all that 'stuff' with the oboe." Rick O., Hemet, CA.
Hannah,
"Elizabeth is very happy with this oboe.she had been using a student oboe (Armstrong) for the past 6 years, and then borrowed a 300 series Fox from her teacher. We did peruse one other one, but when she played this one from you, she was ready to stop looking. I was surprised it happened so quickly! She is very happy with this purchase. I am also happy to save money where and when I can. I am happy to meet and interface with others who truly want to help the young musicians of the world. Best of luck in your business and with your family. If I hear of other students that are in need of an oboe, I will gladly pass on your name, and encourage them to contact you directly."
Sincerely, Kristin S., Elkhart, INDear Hannah,
"I just wanted you to know that I received your check and to thank you for doing a great job selling Nora's oboe. I do hope the buyer is as happy as I am." Victoria E., Chicago, IL
Hannah,
"Carmen and her teacher are very pleased with the oboe and I will send you the check today. Finding the right instrument has been a long and frustrating process for us. I appreciate your help and courtesies in bringing this search to an end." Best Regards, Tim K., San Diego, CA
Hannah,
"It certainly has been a pleasure meeting you, and we feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to purchase from such a reputable individual. It was a miracle that Daniel 'stumbled across' Hannah's Oboes on the Internet. What a relief to know there are still honest folks in the world who actually deliver what they promise. Thanks! As you know, Daniel has been searching for several months to find the 'perfect' oboe to use during high school and possibly thru his college years. He feels as though he has made the right decision and is very pleased with the Fox 450..Thank you for entrusting us with both oboes that you loaned for trial. It was a delight to experience awesome customer service, and we certainly appreciate the fact that this purchase was handled with such ease. We definitely will keep you in mind should we need to make another purchase. Again, I can't thank you enough for making a positive contribution to Daniel's musical experience (even if it's just a simple remembrance of the talented and trustworthy individual from Scottsdale, AZ which he purchased the oboe from). My hope is that he continues to enjoy playing oboe for many more years."
Take care! Dena W., Kennesaw, GA
Dear Hannah,
"Thank you very much for sending me these oboes to try. I really enjoyed playing them. Thank you so much for the poster, pencil and the fingering charts! That was really nice of you. The poster will look great in my bedroom! Thanks again for all of your help. I really appreciate it."
Sincerely, Matt L., Peshtigo, WI
Hi Hannah,
"We've decided we would like to buy the English horn. Henry says it's a very nice instrument (better than he thought it was going to be!) and the price is reasonable." Charles B., West Grove, PA
"WOWI really liked the EH-very nice tone and a reasonable scale-very light use over the years and good wood. I was very happy for Carl and they can let you know their intentions. The case is great and all the accessories do make a nice presentation, as you know !"
Henry G., Doublereed Instructor for the Charles B. Family, PA
Dear Hannah,
"Thank you for your assistance in this matter. You have been very helpful. I intend to refer other students to your web-site when any opportunity arises."
Very truly yours, Maureen G., Cleveland, OH
Hannah, "Thanks again for providing a great service!" Sincerely, Debra H., Mentor, OH
Dear Hannah, "Thanks Again!" Debbie M., Dingman's Ferry, PA
Dear Hannah,
"Thank you once again for all your help along with the suggestions you have given us. We appreciate it very much. As I have told you before, Adrianne is very appreciative of all the accessories you have included with the oboe. She did like the book very much and it had very useful information in it. It was a pleasure doing business with you."
Sincerely, Ellen F., Peshtigo, WI
Dear Hannah, "Elise loves her Loree oboe. Thanks for everything." Karen W., St. Louis, MO
Dear Hannah,
"Thanks for the opportunity to choose between the three oboes, and for the poster, pencil and fingering charts. Andrea really likes the LY Loree and we are happy she has found an oboe to suit her!" Sincerely, Anna Marie S., West Chester, PA
Dear Hannah, "Thanks for making the sale of my Loree oboe quick and easy."
Janna R., Music Teacher, Bowie, MD
Dear Hannah,
"Thanks so much for working with us to find an oboe for Samantha. Samantha really likes her new oboe and can't wait to take it to school."
Sincerely, the David P. Family, Loveland, OH
Hannah,
"Enclosed is the check for the oboe we purchased from you. Katie is enjoying the instrument very much! Thank you for all the extra little goodies you sent her-her face just lit up as she opened your package." Take Care, Terri F., Fayetteville, GA
Hannah, "I love the oboe!" Henry G., Downington, PA
Hannah,
"The Loree English Horn is wonderful. Thanks for your help." Sincerely, Jane N., Grand Rapids, MI
Hannah,
"Thank you for your interest, and I am pleased that the horn will go to a loving home! Thanks again, and I wish you the very best." Sincerely, Amy L., Hilliard, OH
Hannah,
"Thanks for the lovely Fox 330." Sincerely, Kim W., Avon Lake, OH
Hannah,
"We decided to buy the Fox 400 oboe. Thank you for shipping two oboes to try. Thank you for the poster, fingering charts, reed and pencil. Thanks for your help with this purchase."
Sincerely, Carolyn S., Mentor, OH
Hannah, "Thank you for the wonderful Loree!" Cheryl C., Mentor, OH
Hannah,
"Amanda loves her oboe. She played a solo in a competition and it was beautiful. Thank you for helping Amanda to find such a wonderful oboe!" Rebecca C., St. Louis, MO
Hannah,
"The shop checked out the English horn and said it played great! Thanks for all your help. I will contact you first when Barbara is ready for a new oboe." Sincerely, Mara G., Delmar, NY.
