 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: oboistk
Date: 2011-04-25 22:09
I'm new to oboe playing but have acquired a Howarth s40c. Is there a fingering chart available online for this? (specifically for the high notes, which seem to be more difficult to get than on the fingerings given in my tutor). Also, how can I tell which year it was made/sold? (I bought it second-hand, but I figure the serial number might be useful here?).
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Author: Loliver
Date: 2011-04-25 23:18
I agree with the above in emailing Howarths- they keep record of every instrument that they make, and are usually fairly fast at responding.
In relation to the online fingering chart, as a fellow thumbplate user, you are very unlikely to find one. A good start is to buy the ABRSM oboe scale book, which has both thumbplate and conservatoire fingerings in it.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-04-25 23:23
Contact them either in London or Worthing as they keep a list of serial numbers.
What's the prefix? When I started working there in 1998 the student models were on G. I should think they're probably on L or maybe M by now (missing out I).
I've kept a record of all instruments I've finished since I was with them so I could give you an idea when it was made if you post part of the serial number on here.
Just give the prefix and the first two numbers (or first three if it's a G or H series and the first number is 0 followed by three more numbers), eg. G012xx or J34x. Pro models have a 4-figure number with no prefix or suffix and the S10B models (now discontinued and called S10 again) had a 4-figure number with a B suffix.
The fingerings you're best using are probably conservatoire system fingerings for the high notes as some thumbplate fingerings may not work so well on dual systems which your S40c is most likely to be.
You'll find a multitude of fingerings here: http://www.wfg.woodwind.org/oboe/
Not included in this fingering chart is a good high A#-B or Bb-Cb trill is done by playing the A#/Bb with the conservatoire fingering (8ve2 xxo|xoo) and trilling with RH finger 2 as 8ve2 xxo|xxo gives a good (and bright) high B. Saves having to use the spatula key and makes it possible on early Loree-made Cabart 74 oboes where it wasn't fitted. Unfortunately this fingering doesn't work on cor or d'amore, but it does work on fully automatics. On thumbplate systems, play the high Bb (8ve2 thumb OFF thumbplate xxo|ooo) and trill with both RH fingers 1 and 2 together for the B natural.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2011-04-25 23:31)
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Author: oboistk
Date: 2011-04-26 07:58
Many thanks for this, especially the fingering suggestions. The fingering charts you linked, Chris, are mind-boggling! I had no idea there were so many alternatives.
My oboe's serial number is H55x
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-04-26 12:19
Your S40c is most likely from mid to late 2005.
The only S40c dual system oboes (with 3rd 8ve keys) I finished in that number range were H553 in July and H555 in September of that year.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: oboistk
Date: 2011-04-26 17:48
Thanks for checking, Chris - that's really helpful. You must have brushed shoulders with my oboe as it's H556!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-04-26 21:03
HAHA! Yours was probably at the start of the next rack as the joints are kept together (5 instrument joint sets to each rack) awaiting finishing!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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