The oboe is a woodwind instrument known for its distinct, expressive sound. It is made of wood, typically grenadilla, and has a conical shape. The oboe uses a double reed, which consists of two pieces of cane that vibrate to produce sound. It is commonly used in orchestras and chamber music. Oboes are often tuned to the pitch of A440, which means they sound the note A at 440 Hz. The instrument has a range of about two and a half octaves and is known for its ability to convey emotion, making it a favorite among composers and musicians alike.