Should a key be added to an old oboe?

I received an email from a mom today, and wanted to share the answer to her question, as I get asked this on a regular basis.

She asked if I could add a side F key to her daughter's A series oboe.

Here's what I said:

While I can arrange this for you, I recommend against it.

The cost, approximately $350, is not warranted on an oboe of this age - probably 1955 or so. I would recommend that you sell this oboe, and use the amount you would pay, plus a bit more and get a newer Loree with a side F already there.

A few other reasons:

1) I love this vintage, but the sound is thin and small and based on an older sound model. Blending with other players is not as easy, and it sounds as though your child is reaching the next level, when playing with others does become important.

2) This oboe, if average, has been played so much that it has the characteristics of being "blown out" which means the sound is degraded, but also the resistance and intonation are degraded and will lead the player to spend a lot of effort overcoming the issues, both with changes in embouchure, and frustration with reeds that are not necessary with a newer instrument.

Sorry to bend your ear on this and I hope this information has been helpful in making a decision on what to do.