Author: LH
Date: 2014-06-08 14:14
Hi Mark,
I'm new to the bboard, but I could not resist replying to your post. I do not play the oboe professionally, but am a very enthusiastic amateur. I live in The Netherlands.
I've tried 5 Howarth s50c's, one of those for two weeks, together with a used (8 years old) Marigaux 901. I used to play on a 20year old Loree, but that did not work for me.
All s50c oboes were extremely freeblowing, very well and even in tune. Furthermore, they are light and comfortable to handle, have solid keywork and are really affordable (compared to other new instruments).
Ultimately, I decided to buy the Marigaux. Why? Firstly because the Marigaux was just phenomenal (in my opinion). Without it, I would probably have been happy to buy the s50c.
The only downside for me to the s50c oboes: they all sounded more or less like a student oboe, as compared to my Loree and Marigaux. Furthermore they tended to be a bit bright. However for me as an amateur, nothing a change in reeds would not have overcome.
My teacher playes a Howarth XL. It has an amazing sound with a fantastic projection. She let me try it a couple times and it was a joy to play: freeblowing, extremely in tune and beautiful complex sound. However, at this moment I do prefer my Marigaux.
If I'm ever to replace my Marigaux, I'm sure to try Howarth again!
Hope my opinion helped.
Regards,
LH
|
|
The Oboe BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
