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Re: Which mechanism is essential?

Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-03-13 20:33

Howarth S20c (conservatoire system) is probably the only oboe in this category that has the articulated low B-C# - it's essential if there's no B-C link fitted should you want to make a legato B-C# or a B-C# trill which you won't be able to do easily on oboes with the fixed C# and no low B-C link.

This means you can hold down the C# key and the low B key closes it automatically for the low B or Bb. The LH F key is also standard on the S20c, so a fairly high spec oboe for a lower intermediate model.

Most student level oboes won't have the articulated C# - only when you get into the semi-pro level (Cabart, etc.) and upwards does it become standard. The low B-C link is mainly a UK, German and Italian thing - but even then, some makers don't fit it as standard. Some export model Howarth S20c and S40c/S45c have been built without the low B-C link fitted, but most will have it fitted in such a way the adjusting screw can be backed right off to disengage it completely.

The regular thumbplate system S20 made mainly for the UK market (as opposed to the optional dual system S20c+TP) has the B-C link, so a low B-C# trill can be done by holding down the low B key and trilling with the C# key (as the S20 has a fixed C# key). The regular S20 doesn't have the LH F key fitted as standard.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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