Howarth of London is a world-renowned British manufacturer specializing in high-quality oboes, English horns, and woodwind instruments used by top orchestral musicians globally. Established in 1948, the company produces professional, intermediate, and student-model instruments handmade in their manufacturing facilities in Worthing, West Sussex, while operating a famous retail showroom on Chiltern Street in London. This guide breaks down the full history of Howarth, analyzes their complete instrument lineup from the S10 to the LX, provides practical buying and maintenance strategies, and details how to visit their London headquarters.
Company History
Howarth of London was officially founded in 1948 by George Howarth, a talented woodwind repairer who had previously worked for the instrument maker T.W. Howarth & Co. Originally operating out of a small workshop on Seymour Place, the company quickly established a reputation for exceptional repair work and bespoke modifications for London’s top orchestral players. The business transitioned to full-scale instrument manufacturing in the 1950s under the guidance of Tom Howarth and later woodwind makers like Nigel Clark and John Pullen.
The manufacturer gained international acclaim with the release of the Howarth S20 oboe, an instrument that became a staple for advanced students and orchestral professionals throughout Europe. In the late 20th century, the company expanded its manufacturing capabilities by opening a dedicated factory in Worthing, West Sussex, to handle increased global demand. Today, the brand remains an independent cornerstone of the global woodwind community, supplying elite artists across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Instrument Lineup
The current instrument catalog spans three distinct categories tailored to a player’s developmental stage: student, intermediate, and professional. Every oboe is crafted from seasoned African Blackwood (Grenadilla) or synthetic composites, featuring silver-plated or gold-plated keywork designed for ergonomic efficiency.
Student Oboes
The Howarth S10 is the industry-standard preparatory oboe designed specifically for young players and beginners. It features a reduced keywork system to save weight, a narrow bore to ease breath support, and is constructed from lightweight Grenadilla wood. The S20 model expands on this foundation by adding a thumbplate system and extra trill keys, bridging the gap toward intermediate study.
Intermediate Oboes
The Howarth S40 and S50 models are designed for advanced students, serious amateurs, and doubling musicians who require a full conservatory system without the price tag of a professional model. The S40 features a modified conservatory system with covered holes, while the S50 offers open holes and a more resonant, undercut bore design. These models provide excellent intonation, fluid key action, and a rich, dark tonal profile suitable for ensemble playing.
Professional Oboes
The Howarth XL and LX models represent the pinnacle of British woodwind engineering, crafted for elite soloists and orchestral professionals. The XL model features a thick-walled design that produces a massive, dark, and highly focused sound capable of projecting over a full symphony orchestra. The LX model is engineered with a slightly different bore taper and lighter keywork mechanism, offering a highly responsive, flexible, and colorful tonal palette preferred by chamber musicians.
Practical Information
Visiting the London showroom or purchasing a custom-built instrument requires understanding the company’s retail logistics, pricing structures, and testing protocols.
Address: 31-35 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7PN, United Kingdom.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Closed Sundays.
Price Range: Student models start around £1,500 ($1,900 USD), intermediate models range from £3,500 to £5,500, and professional custom instruments cost between £8,000 and £12,000+.
How to Get There: Take the London Underground to Baker Street Station (Jubilee, Bakerloo, Metropolitan, Circle, and Hammersmith & City lines), then walk south for five minutes to Chiltern Street.
What to Expect: The London shop features dedicated testing rooms where players can trial instruments, a massive sheet music library, and an on-site accessory department for reeds, cases, and tools.
FAQs
What is the difference between a Howarth S10 and S20 oboe?
The S10 is a simplified junior model with reduced keywork designed for beginners to reduce weight. The S20 adds a thumbplate system, low B-flat resonance keys, and left-hand trill keys for advancing players.
Where are Howarth oboes manufactured?
The keywork, body acoustics, and final assembly are done by hand at the dedicated factory in Worthing, West Sussex, England, while the flagship retail operations are based in central London.
How do I prevent a new wooden oboe from cracking?
Players must strictly follow a “break-in” schedule, playing the instrument for only 10-15 minutes per day for the first two weeks, and always thoroughly swabbing the bore dry after every session.
Does the company offer synthetic options for cold environments?
Yes, they manufacture “Academy” synthetic body models and professional instruments with synthetic top-joints to eliminate the risk of cracking during outdoor or cold-weather performances.
What wood is used to make a professional Howarth oboe?
The primary wood used is premium African Blackwood (Grenadilla), though custom professional models can be special-ordered in Cocobolo or Violetwood for a lighter, warmer tone.
How often should an oboe be serviced?
A professional instrument requires a clean, oil, and adjust (COA) service once every 12 months from a certified woodwind technician to maintain pad sealing and key alignment.
What is the difference between the XL and LX professional models?
The XL features a thick-walled body design for maximum projection and a dark orchestral sound, whereas the LX has a standard wall thickness, offering a lighter weight and faster response.
Can I test instruments at the London showroom without an appointment?
While walk-ins are welcome for buying reeds or accessories, you must book an instrument testing room in advance to try out oboes or English horns.
What is a thumbplate system vs a conservatory system?
The thumbplate system is popular in the UK and requires releasing a left thumb key to play certain notes, while the French conservatory system relies entirely on right-hand fingerings. Howarth manufactures dual-system instruments that combine both styles.
Do they sell used or secondhand instruments?
Yes, the London showroom maintains an authorized pre-owned inventory that is fully inspected, repaired, and warrantied by their in-house workshop technicians.
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