Description
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 XM model has been carefully designed for the exacting demands of professional performers, taking into consideration the desired sound and response from the instrument. The XM has thinner walls than the XL and a smaller bore producing a continental dark sound.
Technical Specification:
- Body in Cocobolo (dalbergia retusa)
- Partially Lined Top Joint
- Full Conservatoire System
- Partially Lined Top Joint
- 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 and fully synthetic top joint are available as a bespoke finish to special order. Please enquire for further details and costs..
Read our blog about the XM Oboe
