Description
Howarth professional oboes have been developed to fulfil the demands and expectations of the world’s finest players. Working with eminent oboists we have now created three different prestige professional model instruments to satisfy individual players’ stylistic and technical requirements. These oboes are found in the greatest orchestras worldwide, and are played by many of the finest solo artists of international repute.
Handmade by our most experienced craftsmen, the accuracy and fine tolerances used during the manufacturing stage give a clean, quick action allowing a musician to play with confidence. Each oboe has a flexible diversity of tone giving the freedom to perform with great elegance and character.
“Howarth oboes have always been special…that elusive flexibility of sound which enables a player to find his or her own voice on the instrument.” Gordon Hunt, The Philharmonia Orchestra, London
Howarth professional oboes are available in either high density Grenadilla (dalbergia melanoxylon) or in Cocobolo (dalbergia retusa). The density of the Blackwood gives a dark and powerful sound, enhancing the projection. Cocobolo is a lighter, lower density wood which produces a warm, rich palette, offering a distinct alternative in timbre. Our professional oboes have metal socket liners and metal sleeved tenons, offering greater protection and durability to the instrument and better mechanical security. The keywork is finished in a generous layer of silver plate. Gold plating is available to special order.
The LXV model has been carefully designed for the exacting demands of professional performers, taking into consideration the desired sound and response from the instrument. The LXV is the newest oboe in our collection and combines the thicker walls of the XL with the smaller bore of the XM to give an instrument with powerful projection and a continental dark sound.
Howarth professional oboes are supplied in a bespoke solid wood case lined with green velvet. The case is protected by a Howarth professional oboe case cover.
Technical Specification:
- Body in African Blackwood, also known as Grenadilla (dalbergia melanoxylon)
- Full Conservatoire System with thumbplate
- Semi-Automatic Octaves
- 3rd Octave Key
- C-D Trill Key (X 2)
- C-C# Trill Key
- Forked F vent
- Low B-C Link
- Extra trill mechanisms (Ab-Bb, Ab-A)
- “Banana Key” – low C-C# trill
- Eb-E trill mechanism
- Articulated C# mechanism
- Metal-lined tenon sockets and sleeved tenons
- Undercut tone holes
- Low Bb vent
- All necessary adjusting screws
- Adjustable thumbrest
- Weight – ca 760g
- Now supplied in professional solid wood case
Gold plated keywork, partially line top joint or fully synthetic top joint are available as a bespoke finish to special order. Please enquire for further details and costs.
