You think trombones are expensive / hard to make?

<YOUTUBE id="_xOj9bLkYVQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xOj9bLkYVQ</YOUTUBE>

Oboe-making is still a craftsman / artisan business.

Several years ago, my oboist wife was quoted a price by Alex Laubin (America's top oboe manufacturer) for a new rosewood oboe - $14,000. (Would be more expensive now.) She decided to keep her existing oboe, but could probably sell it for well more than $10,000. No offers accepted.

My wife’s viola now cost three times my Edwards bass. Her viola… more than my car.

I love that I have two great instruments that have paid for themselves for less than her bow.