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.
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:
Model | Level | Description |
---|---|---|
Junior | Beginner | Simplified thumb-plate system with simple octave keys. Range to low C. |
S10 | Student | Thumb-plate system with simple octave keys. Range to low B-flat. Additional keys: C/D trill key, forked-F vent, and low B-C connection. |
S20 | Intermediate | Thumb-plate system with semi-automatic octave keys. Additional keys: as S10 plus left-hand F key and low B-flat vent. |
S40C | Advanced | Dual system with semi-automatic octave keys (including 3rd octave key). Additional keys: as S20 plus A-flat/B-flat trill key, A-flat/A trill key, and low C/C-sharp trill key (‘banana key’). |
Manufacturer’s website: howarthlondon.com