Classical Oboe - Johann Friedrich Floth, c. 1805
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oboe-w.htm
The oboe is a type of shawm. It is a double reed straight pipe with valves to change the length of the pipe, and a flare and bell. The modern spelling "oboe" is an anglization of the French "hautbois" (which means high or loud wood).
Classical Oboe - Johann Friedrich Floth, c. 1805
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oboe-w.htm
Modern Oboe
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Oboe_modern.jpg
The shape of the reed of an oboe, typically made of cane, is folded in two and quite complex to construct. It is mounted on a small metal tube (called the staple) which is partially covered in cork. Many oboists make their own reeds according to their personal preferances for tone colour and tuning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lux9cetifvk