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Type:  Baroque oboe in C
Model:  Paul Paulhahn
Area:  most likely Nuremberg, Germany
Period/date:  circa 1720
Keys:  3
Range:   c1 – d#3
Pitch:  415Hz
Wood: pear, cherry, peach, plum, boxwood, wild pear wood

Paul Paulhahn, ca. 1720
My favourite soprano oboe.
The only one preserved original of the oboe is in possession of Nikolaus Harnoncourt.
Unfortunately almost nothing is known about the maker, exept that he worked in Germany, the most probably in the area of  Nurenberg. It is known however, that he left an instrument in many respects exceptional, having a special position among the baroque oboes.
The instrument has an exeptional ability to express a variety  of moods. It has a characteristic intensive and rich sound. Having  mastered the instrument, one can obtain an unusual melodicity and dynamic range, from gentle, warm piano to brilliant forte, filling the largest halls. A very original feature of its appearance are the fine ornaments, some of which are only 0,3 mm width.
A specificity of this oboe is its ability to reflect to a great extent, an individual character and skills of the player. It is says, that Paulhahn oboe is so good as player who play it…

The greatest baroque oboist of our time, Jürg  Schäftlein, was play original Paulhahn oboe. Many incredibly recordings with him and Nikolaus Harnoncourt, we can hear for today.
Original was made from boxwood.
Today we know also  traverso d’amore by Paulhahn. It is in possession of private collector in Frankfurt. The flute is also very special instrument for many reasons. This  prooves that Paulhahn was a high quality maker and  great individualist.