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The F. Loree company was founded in 1881 by Francois Loree. In 1902 his son Lucien
took over the business and it was during this time that many improvements, including the Full
Conservatory Plateau System were introduced. In 1925 Raymond Dubois bought the Loree
firm, but Lucien Loree continued an active role in oboe production. In 1935 Robert de
Gourdon joined the Loree firm and had the opportunity to work with both Dubois and Loree
until the latter's death in 1945. In 1957, after the death of Mr. Dubois, Robert de
Gourdon became president of the firm and initiated a period of growth and expansion. Since
1967 his son Alain has been actively involved with the firm.
Serial numbers for Loree oboes consist of one or two letters followed by two
numbers (eg. AL45, FL03, etc.). On the representative list above, only the letters are
shown, along with the approximate year in which the letter/number combination began. There
are many "gaps" or missing letters in the listing (especially from 1959 - 1980),
but with a little intelligent guesswork, it is possible to approximate an instrument's
year of manufacture.
Please, if you note any discrepancies, or have additional information relating to
this company, we would appreciate it VERY much if you would pass it on to us here at The Music
Trader. Thank you very much!
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