Howarth S40C oboe

The Howarth S40C is a graduate model instrument designed for intermediate to advanced players. An ideal upgrade from student models, the S40C will comfortably take players past Grade 8 to an advanced level.

Lighter in weight than professional oboes, the keywork on the S40C nevertheless has many of the same features as a professional instrument, with the dual system allowing a variety of fingerings and trills.

• Grenadilla wood body (Dalbergia melanoxylon)
• Silver-plated keywork
• Dual system (conservatoire with thumb-plate)
• Semi-automatic octave mechanism
• 3rd octave key
• C/D trill key
• C/C-sharp trill key
• Forked-F vent
• Left-hand F key
• Low B-C connection
• A-flat/B-flat trill key
• A-flat/A trill key
• Low C/C-sharp trill key ('banana key')
• Low B-flat vent
• Weight: 0.64 kg approx.

Unlike the standardized mechanisms of other woodwind instruments, the keywork on oboes is quite varied. The 'thumb-plate' system is used most widely in the UK and most student oboes purchased here are of this type. The alternative is the 'conservatoire' system. 'Dual' systems have characteristics of both. Starter instruments generally have fewer keys to reduce weight and simplify fingering. Instruments for more advanced players have additional keys offering versatility through a wider choice of fingerings.

Also available in the Howarth oboe range:

Manufacturer’s website: howarthlondon.com