36
- since 1948 - Education Brochure
- since 1948 -
Education B
rochure
2
Contents
About Howarth of London ······································································ 2
Oboes Howarth Junior Oboe ············································································· 5
Howarth S10 Oboe ················································································· 6
Howarth S20 Oboe ················································································· 7
Howarth S40 & S45 Oboes ····································································· 8
Howarth Professional Oboes ·································································· 10
Cors Anglais & d’Amore Howarth Student Cors Anglais ······························································· 13
Howarth Professional Cors Anglais and Oboe d’Amore ························· 14
Bassoons Howarth Mini-Bassoon & Tenoroon ······················································ 16
Heyday’s Fagonello················································································· 18
Children’s Bassoons ················································································ 19
Howarth Academy Bassoons ·································································· 20
Clarinets Howarth Junior Clarinets ········································································ 22
Howarth SimpleFit Mouthpiece ····························································· 23
Howarth Academy Clarinet ···································································· 24
Saxophones Trevor James Alphasax ··········································································· 26
Howarth Saxophones ············································································· 27
Flutes Howarth Junior Eb Flute ········································································· 28
Student Flutes ························································································ 29
Instruments for Young Learners Jupiter Saxonette ···················································································· 30
Nuvo Instruments ··················································································· 32
About Howarth of London
Howarth of London are internationally known makers of fine woodwind instruments. We transform high-quality
raw materials into oboes, oboes d’amore and cors anglais using a combination of precision technology and
traditional handcrafting.
We stock a choice of instruments from a range of well-respected manufacturers and are one of the leading
suppliers of oboes, bassoons, clarinets, and saxophones. Our specialist staff can help players select the best
instruments to meet their requirements.
Our main showroom is in the heart of London’s West End, within easy reach of concert venues, recording
studios and the famous London music colleges. The manufacturing workshops are in Worthing, West Sussex.
Howarth of London is under the ownership of Director Jeremy Walsworth.
Howarth Education
Our Education Department is based in the manufacturing workshops in Worthing, West Sussex. Please contact
us if you would like any further information about any of the instruments. We can advise students, parents, and
educators on successful teaching methods, the selection of instruments and the opportunities for progression.
Contact details:
Education Department
Howarth of London
19 Buckingham Road
Worthing
BN11 1TH
UK
T: +44 (0)1903 239 219
We have developed an innovative collection of instruments designed for young children and beginners. By
focussing on the needs and capabilities of a new player, we have designed instruments to be lighter, simpler and
in some cases smaller than traditional student models. They are played using standard fingerings, techniques,
and reeds to help children progress easily on to more advanced instruments when they are ready.
Playing instruments tailored to the requirements of a student can remove some of the hurdles faced as they
learn and makes instruments more accessible to children and beginners. The Junior instruments are made from
the same materials as traditional models to ensure they are of the same quality with good acoustics. This helps
give children the opportunity to experience a high standard of music education and gain from the all-round
benefits of music.
Other manufacturers have developed woodwind instruments that are specifically for children and beginners.
These are also included in this brochure.
Howarth Junior Instruments
Many professional oboists started on a
Howarth student model.
3
4
Howarth Junior instruments are designed to be simple, light and effective to give learners the best start.
4
Howarth Junior Oboe
The Howarth Junior oboe has been designed for children and beginners. It is
lighter and easier to play compared to a standard student model as the
specially designed keywork system includes only the keys needed in the first
stages of learning. There are extensions on some of the keys to make them
easier for small hands to reach.
The instrument can play a full chromatic range of over two and a half octaves
from low C and can be used in instrumental exams up to grade 3. It uses
standard reeds and fingerings to make it easy for a student to move onto a
more advanced model as they progress.
The reduced keywork makes the instrument quicker and easier to assemble
as vulnerable mechanisms, such as the low B and Bb keys and the linkages
between joints, have been removed. This helps to increase the durability of
the instrument as these are the keys most prone to accidental damage.
The Howarth Junior oboe is supplied in a colourful backpack case with a
spacious pocket for accessories. It comes with cleaning materials, cork grease
and a reedcase with space for three reeds.
Junior Oboe
• Special lightweight key mechanism
• Extensions on four finger plates
• Covered holes
• Uses standard reeds and fingerings
• Fully chromatic range of 2½ octaves from low C
• Thumbplate system with simple action octaves
• Body made from seasoned African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon)
• Silver-plated keys
Finger plate extensions give greater comfort for
small hands.
No linkages across joints for ease of handling
and durability.
5
Howarth S10 Oboe
The Howarth S10 oboe is the perfect choice for students wanting a light
instrument that can play the oboe’s full range. At 580g it is the lightest of our
“full system” oboes, compared to a professional instrument which can weigh
up to 200g more. It was the first student oboe that we produced and many of
today’s professional players started learning on this model.
The oboe has an English thumbplate system with a simple octave
mechanism. It has covered plateau keys to make the oboe suitable for those
with small hands. This allows the player more flexibility when placing their
fingers on the keys and can help to reduce the distance between the fingers.
Our student instruments are all made from African Blackwood (Dalbergia
melanoxylon). It is a dark-coloured, high-density wood that gives power to
the tone quality. The keywork is made from hard-wearing nickel-silver that
has a generous coating of silver-plating. The quality of the materials makes
the instrument easy to maintain and helps to protect the instrument from
accidental damage during assembly. Many teachers, education authorities
and music services around the UK recommend this instrument to their
students.
The Howarth S10 oboe is supplied in a colourful backpack case with a
spacious pocket for accessories. It comes with cleaning materials, cork grease
and a reedcase with space for three reeds.
S10 Oboe
• English thumbplate system with simple octave mechanism
• Covered holes
• Left-hand C-D trill key
• Low B-C link
• Forked F venting mechanism
• Body made from seasoned African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon)
• Silver-plated keys
Covered hole plateau keys make playing easier for those
with small hands. The keys allow the fingers to sit in the
most comfortable position
6
The Howarth S20 oboe is an intermediate instrument best suited to
advancing student players. It is an English thumbplate system oboe that can
take a student to grade 8 and beyond with some of the features found on
more advanced models, including semi-automatic octaves. It has covered
holes like the S10 so those with smaller hands can easily cover the keys.
The instrument has more keywork than the S10 oboe including extra trill keys
to make ornamenting music easier in complicated passages. There is a Bb
vent on the bell to enhance the tone and tuning of the note. The extra
keywork on the S20 only slightly increases the weight of the instrument,
which weighs 30g more than an S10. This makes it still light enough for
younger players to hold.
The Howarth S20 oboe is supplied in a Howarth Academy case and matching
cover with a fleece padded lining that offers extra protection. It comes with a
range of accessories including cleaning materials, cork grease, reedcase and a
silver polishing cloth.
Howarth S20 Oboe
S20 Oboe
• English thumbplate system oboe with semi-automatic octaves
• Covered holes
• C-D trill key (x2)
• C-C# trill key
• Forked F vent
• Low Bb vent
• Articulated C#
• Body made from seasoned African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon)
• Silver-plated keys
7
The S20 has a Bb vent on the bell to enhance
the tone and tuning of the note.
Semi-automatic mechanismsmakes changing
between the octaves easier.
Howarth S40 and S45 Oboes
The Howarth S40 and S45 oboes have been designed with diploma
level players in mind. The instruments are dual system oboes,
which combines the conservatoire system with an added
thumbplate. This type of mechanism is found on many advanced
and professional instruments in the United Kingdom and it gives
the player a wide range of alternative fingerings to choose from.
The Howarth S40 is suitable for accomplished young musicians
who require a lighter instrument. It has many of the advanced
keywork features found on a professional oboe yet it is nearly
100g lighter than the S45 and professional models. The Howarth
S45 has a thicker-walled body that produces a darker and more
powerful sound. It has the same keywork specifications as the S40
oboe with the addition of select undercutting to further enrich the
tone.
The Howarth S40 and S45 instruments have vented plateau keys.
This extends the fingering options in the oboe’s upper register and
provides the player a wider choice of trills, making it easier to play
more complicated passages. The vented keys also help to enhance
the tone of the instrument by making it sound more ‘open’.
We have given the S45 metal socket liners and metal-sleeved
tenons, which is a feature usually only seen on professional
models. They provide a barrier between the wood and the
moisture that can collect in the sockets as well as securing the
alignment of the joints for long-lasting protection and better
action.
The Howarth S40 oboe is supplied in a Howarth Academy case
with matching cover. The thicker-walled S45 comes in an Academy
PLUS+ case with a Howarth Academy case cover. Both instruments
come with a range of accessories including cleaning materials, cork
grease, reedcase and silver polishing cloth.
As Howarth S20 oboe, with:
• Vented plateau keys to facilitate trills
• Enhanced ‘open’ sound
• Ab-Bb and Ab-A trill mechanisms
• Auxiliary C
8
S40 & S45 Oboes
9
9
Howarth Professional Oboes XL XM LXV
The Howarth professional oboes were developed to fulfil the
demands and expectations of the world’s finest players. In
collaboration with top oboists, we have created three prestige
instruments, the XL, XM, and LXV. They are played in the
greatest orchestras worldwide and many of the finest solo
artists perform on a model from our professional range.
Each instrument has a flexible diversity of tone to give the
oboist freedom to perform with great elegance and character.
We make our professional models from two different woods so
players can select their preferred tonal qualities. Many
professional instruments are made from African Blackwood
(Dalbergia melanoxylon). It is a dark, high-density wood that
provides power to the tone quality. In contrast, the
orange-coloured Cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa) is a lighter,
lower-density wood that produces a warm, rich palette,
offering a distinct alternative timbre. A Cocobolo instrument is
approximately 10% lighter than a model made from African
Blackwood.
The professional models are handmade by our most
experienced craftsmen, who carefully make the keywork from
nickel-silver components before the keys are given a generous
layer of silver-plate. It is also possible to order gold-plated keys.
The accuracy and fine tolerances used during manufacturing
provides the oboe with a clean, quick action, giving the player
complete confidence in the instrument. The oboes are fitted
with an adjustable thumbrest to add to the comfort of playing
a professional instrument. The oboes have metal socket liners
and metal-sleeved tenons to ensure greater protection,
durability and better mechanical security.
Howarth professional oboes are supplied in a bespoke solid
wood case lined with green velvet, which is protected by a
Howarth professional case cover. The instrument is supplied
with premium accessories including a grease pot and a
screwdriver with wooden embellishment, designed and
produced in our workshops.
Keywork is finished in a generous layer of
silver-plate. Gold-plating is available to special
order.
The adjustable thumbrest on all Howarth
professional models gives added comfort whilst
playing.
Howarth professional oboes are supplied in a
bespoke solid wood case lined with green velvet.
10
XL XM LXV
Larger Bore ●
Smaller Bore ● ●
Thicker Walls ● ●
Thinner Walls ●
Sound Produced Big sound,
classical projection
Continental dark
sound
Powerful projection,
dark sound
11
All Howarth professional oboes have metal socket
liners and metal-sleeved tenons.
Our experienced craftsmen make the keywork by
hand to fine tolerances.
Howarth oboes have a series of adjusting screws for
fine tuning.
XL
Ob
oe
sho
wn
in A
fric
an B
lack
wo
od
wit
h s
ilver
-pla
te
XM
Ob
oe
sho
wn
in A
fric
an B
lack
wo
od
wit
h g
old
-pla
te
LXV
Ob
oe
sho
wn
in C
oco
bo
lo w
ith
silv
er-p
late
12
Howarth make and supply a range of instruments from student to professional level.
12
Howarth Student Cors Anglais
Howarth have designed a range of cors anglais that are suitable for
students and developing players. The Howarth S20 cor anglais is
the first in this series and it is an ideal model for beginners. The
keywork specification is the same as our S20 oboe (see page 7),
which has covered keys to make them easier to reach. This model
is available as a thumbplate system or as a dual system, which is a
conservatoire system with an added thumbplate.
The Howarth S40 cor anglais is a graduate level instrument
designed for the more advanced player. Like the S40 oboe (page
8), the S40 cor anglais has vented plateau keys. This increases the
number of fingerings available in the upper register of the
instrument and gives the musician more options when playing
trills. The vents in the keywork also help to enhance the
instrument’s rich, mellow tone.
The sockets of the S40 cor anglais are lined with metal and the
tenons have metal tips to protect the instrument from moisture
that can collect in the sockets. This also helps to secure the
alignment of the instruments, ensuring the joints maintain a good
fit.
The Howarth S20 and S40 cors anglais are supplied in Howarth
Academy cases with matching case covers. Both instruments come
with a range of accessories including cleaning materials, cork
grease, reedcase and a silver polishing cloth. One crook is included
with every student instrument.
S20 & S20c Dual System Cors Anglais
• English thumbplate system / conservatoire + thumbplate system
• Covered hole
• Semi-automatic octaves
• 3rd octave key
• Adjusting screw for top C#
• Left-hand F key
• Articulated C#
• Body made from seasoned African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon)
• Silver-plated keys
S40c Dual System Cor Anglais
• As S20 cors anglais
• Vented plateau keys
• More ‘open’ sound
• Lined tenon sockets and metal-tipped tenons
• Ab-Bb trills
• Double C-head (low C-C# trill)
13
S20
Co
r A
ngl
ais
S40
Co
r A
ngl
ais
Howarth Professional Cors Anglais & Oboes d’Amore
The Howarth professional cors anglais and oboe d’amore are
designed to meet the requirements of the world’s finest
players. The S5 and XL cor anglais and the XL d’amore are made
by our most experienced craftsmen who also make our prestige
range of oboes. We have carefully developed the instruments
to meet the requirements of professional musicians, allowing
them to perform with confidence and style.
The Howarth S5 uses our original professional bore, which is
the benchmark of the Howarth reputation. It produces a large
and powerful sound that our craftsmen enhance by fully
undercutting the toneholes. It is made from high-density
African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon), which gives
strength to the tone.
The Howarth S5 is nearly 10% lighter than the XL cor anglais,
making it a good choice for players wanting a lighter
professional instrument. It has all the keywork expected of a
cor anglais at this level, including the split D key to improve
intonation on E- Eb trills.
The Howarth XL cor anglais and oboe d’amore have been
designed with a unique tone hole structure that gives a
focussed sound with exceptional projection and intonation. We
have adapted the keywork to make the instruments more
comfortable to hold and to allow greater dexterity while
performing. The addition of an adjustable thumbrest gives a
player more flexibility in the way they hold their instrument for
comfort. The professional models all have metal socket liners
and metal-sleeved tenons to ensure greater protection,
durability and better mechanical security.
We supply the Howarth XL cor anglais with a separate Bb
extension to increase the range of the instrument. This model
also features a vent on the bell to enrich the quality of the low
B. Both XL models are produced in either African Blackwood or
Cocobolo.
The Howarth XL cor anglais is supplied in a bespoke solid wood
case lined with green velvet, which is protected by a Howarth
professional case cover. The S5 cor anglais and the XL d’amore
are supplied in Howarth professional cases with matching case
covers. All instruments come with a range of accessories
including cleaning materials, cork grease and a reedcase. Two
crooks are supplied with each instrument.
14
The adjustable thumbrest gives a player more
flexibility in the way players hold their instrument.
All Howarth crooks are hand-crafted in our
manufacturing workshops. They are available in four
lengths (0 - 1 - 2 - 3)
Howarth XL cor anglais is supplied with a separate
Bb extension to increase the range of the instrument
The XL cor anglais has a B vent on the bell to
enhance the quality of the low B.
15
S5c
Co
r A
ngl
ais
XL
Co
r A
ngl
ais
XL
Ob
oe
d’A
mo
re
Howarth Mini-Bassoon and Tenoroon
The Howarth mini-bassoon and tenoroon are instruments
designed for children. They are played using standard fingerings
and reeds, so it is easy for children to progress onto a full-size
instrument when they are ready. Previously children had to
wait until they were physically capable of holding a bassoon,
which could lead to them choosing a different musical path.
The introduction of the mini-bassoon and tenoroon allow
children to learn on an instrument designed for their
capabilities.
The mini-bassoon and tenoroon are smaller than the standard
bassoon. The mini-bassoon is suitable for children as young as
seven as it is only two thirds of the full bassoon’s height and
approximately 30% of its weight. It is pitched in G, a fifth higher
than a bassoon. The tenoroon is aimed at slightly older children
as it is marginally larger than the mini-bassoon and pitched in F,
a fourth higher than the bassoon. Standard teaching materials
can be used as many pieces are available with appropriately
transposed accompaniments. The mini-bassoons and
tenoroons feature on notation software making it easy to
transpose other pieces of music and piano accompaniments as
needed.
The mini-bassoon and tenoroon are made from the same
high-quality materials used to make full-size bassoons. They
have carefully crafted nickel-silver keys, which are given a
generous coating of silver-plate. The body of each instrument is
made from European maple, and like a full-size bassoon, has an
ebonite lining to protect the wood from moisture. Metal caps
are fitted to the instrument’s wing joint for protection, which
helps to stop water entering the end grain of the wood and
separating the ebonite liner from the wooden part of the joint.
Mini-bassoons and tenoroons are supplied in a sturdy backpack
case with cleaning materials, reedcase and a sling. We also
include our own design of handrest for the mini-bassoon and
tenoroon to ensure that the student’s hand is closer to the
main body of the instrument. This makes the instrument more
comfortable to hold and play.
Detailed diagrams showing how to assemble the instrument are
included, making it easier for parents to support their children
in the first stages of learning.
The instruments come in a backpack case with room
for accessories
We make our own design of handrest for the
mini-bassoon and tenoroon
We fit a metal cap to the wing joint of the
mini-bassoon and tenoroon to protect the tenon
from water
16
Mini-Bassoon
• Designed for players from 7 years old
• Around 30% of the full bassoon’s weight
• In G, a 5th higher than a bassoon
• Uses same fingerings as the full-size bassoon
• Body in traditional European Maple
• Silver-plated keywork
Tenoroon
• Designed for players around 9 years old
• Around 35% of the full bassoon’s weight
• In F, a 4th higher than a bassoon
Once classed as an ‘endangered’ instrument, the bassoon is gaining popularity due to
the development of mini-bassoons.
Photograph by Kevin Leighton from LSO On Track - Lite of Spring, April 2007
17
Min
i-B
asso
on
Ten
oro
on
Heyday’s Fagonello
The Fagonello is a lightweight bassoon made by Heydays. It has no bell to
help reduce the weight and length of the instrument, making it suitable for
children aged between five and ten years old. At around 1.25 kg, the
Fagonello is 2 - 3 times lighter than a standard bassoon.
The Fagonello is at the same pitch as a full-size bassoon and can play a range
of three octaves chromatically from low C. It uses standard bassoon
fingerings and reeds to make it easy for a student to move to a large bassoon
when they are ready.
The instrument’s body has a unique one-piece design with a built in
handrest. This is made to be substantially lighter than a standard student
bassoon. There are no joints to assemble, a child only needs to add the crook
and reed before the instrument is ready to play. This protects the instrument
from potential damage caused by incorrect assembly or disassembly and
helps the instrument stay in good condition for longer. This can also reduce
the maintenance costs of the instrument.
The Fagonello is supplied in a specially designed tube-shaped case with
cleaning materials and accessories. It also comes with a crook that has been
reinforced to prevent it from bending.
Fagonello
• Less than 50% of the weight of a full-size bassoon
• One-piece design including built-in handrest
• Reduced keywork system
• Reinforced crook
• Played using standard reeds and fingerings
• Wooden body
• Silver-plated keywork
The crook has been reinforced to prevent
bending.
The one-piece design of the Fagonello has a
built-in handrest.
18
Children’s Bassoons
Bassoon manufacturers Oscar Adler & Co. and Amati have adapted
standard designs of instruments especially for children. Both the
Adler 1350 and the Amati ABN 32c children’s bassoons are a great
stepping stone from the mini-bassoon or tenoroon for students
who are not ready for the weight of a full-size bassoon.
The children’s bassoons are lighter than traditional models as they
have no bell, making the lowest note a C. Both models can play
three chromatic octaves and are at the same sounding pitch as a
traditional model. They are played using standard reeds and
fingerings. The bass notes of the Adler 1350 can be improved by
using the optional ‘Plexi Resonator’ (shown in the image), to
enhance the tuning without adding weight to the instrument.
The Amati ABN 32c has adapted keywork that can be described as
‘ultra-short reach’. The left-hand thumb keys have been extended
to make it easier for those with small hands to play the instrument
comfortably. The Adler 1350 bassoon has the standard ‘basic
system’ keywork expected on a short-reach student instrument
with a clever indent in the wood of the long joint to help the
player reach the left-hand keys more easily. This model can be
purchased with or without a whisper key.
Both instruments come with a balance hanger, which alters the
bassoon’s centre of gravity and distributes the weight more evenly
between the two hands to better support the bassoon. The
instruments are supplied in a gigbag with cleaning materials and a
crook. The Adler crook is a special ‘deep-bend’ model positioned
at an angle that makes the reed easier for younger players to
reach while playing.
The Adler 1350 has an indent in the
wood to help the player reach the
left-hand keys.
A balance hanger is supplied with the
instruments to make them easier to
hold.
19
Am
ati A
BN
32
c B
asso
on
Ad
ler
135
0 B
asso
on
Howarth Academy Bassoons
Howarth Academy bassoons are exclusively made for us by an
established German bassoon maker. They are based on the
design of their professional model to produce instruments with
a rich, full-textured sound. They are available as a short-reach
model and as a standard bassoon.
The short-reach bassoon is an appropriate solution for
bassoonists with small hands. The left-hand keywork has been
adapted to make it easier to reach the keys, which includes
extending the thumb keys and adding a covered hole for the
third finger. It features a uniquely designed high D key that
overlaps the C key. This reduces the stretch for the thumb
compared to the traditional placement of the D key touch.
The standard Academy bassoon is an ideal instrument to take a
student to music college level. It has more keys than the
short-reach model including an alternative Ab key for the right
thumb and high Eb and C# trill keys. There is no Bb key for the
right-hand 3rd finger on either the standard or short-reach
Academy bassoon to bring the right-hand finger keys closer
together for comfort.
The Howarth Academy bassoons are made from European
maple and are finished with a high-quality and durable gloss
lacquer. The inside of the instrument is protected by a lining in
the wing joint, finger holes and Ab toneholes. This protects the
bassoon from moisture that goes through the instrument. Both
sides of the boot joint are also lined, which is a feature usually
only found on more advanced models.
The Academy bassoons are protected by metal caps on the
wing tenon and both ends of the long joint. They also have
metal-lined sockets. This helps to strengthen the tenon and
maintain a secure alignment as well as offering protection from
moisture in areas where water can collect.
The Howarth Academy bassoons are supplied in a backpack
case with accessories including a sling, cleaning materials and a
crook.
The left-hand thumb keys have been extended so
they are easier to reach with small hands.
20
The short-reach bassoon has a plateau key for the
third finger to help students cover the C tonehole
The spacing of the right-hand keys have been
reduced for ease and greater comfort while playing
Short-Reach Model
• Reduced keywork to lessen weight
• Adapted left- and right-hand keywork to suit small hands
• High-quality durable gloss lacquer finish
• Body in traditional European Maple
• Nickel-silver keywork with a silver-plated finish
• Both sides of boot joint lined for extra protection
• Lined sockets on boot joint & protection ring on bass joint tenons
• Lined Ab tone hole
• 5 lined finger holes
Standard Model
As short reach model, with
• Standard keys for left hand
• Alternative Ab key for right thumb
• F# & C# trill keys
The Academy
bassoons are
protected by metal
caps on the wing
tenon and both
ends of the long
joint.
21
The bassoons have
metal lined sockets
to protect the joints
and maintain a
secure alignment
Aca
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Howarth Junior Clarinets
We have designed two models of Junior clarinet that are lighter
and simpler than standard student instruments. They are best
suited to children and young beginners and are extremely popular
with teachers who give group lessons.
The Howarth Junior MX is the simplest of the two models with a
very reduced keywork system. It weighs slightly over 500g, which
is approximately 40% lighter than a standard clarinet. The Junior
MX plays just over a one-octave G major scale, making it perfect as
a first access instrument to teach the early skills of playing the
clarinet. It was developed in conjunction with Lambeth Music
Service for their whole class ensemble project called ‘Musitrax’.
The Howarth Junior PLUS+ clarinet gives a player access to over
three and a half chromatic octaves on an instrument that is
around 100g lighter than a standard student model. We have
removed keys for alternative fingerings and trills to reduce the
complexity of the instrument while allowing a student to achieve
grade 3 level.
The reduced keywork on the Junior clarinets allows students to
assemble the instruments easily and with less chance of accidental
damage. To increase the durability of the instrument we have also
removed the most vulnerable keywork, such as the link
mechanism between the top and bottom joints. This helps to keep
the instrument in good condition for longer and helps keep
maintenance and manufacturing costs low.
The Howarth Junior clarinets are pitched in Bb like a standard
clarinet and use regular fingerings so a young player can easily
progress onto a more advanced model. The instruments are made
from the same materials as our Academy clarinet to ensure
high-quality and good acoustics.
The Howarth Junior clarinets have a Howarth SimpleFit
mouthpiece to help attach the reed quickly and accurately. They
are supplied in a backpack case with cleaning accessories. See
page 23 for further details.
22
The vulnerable link mechanism between the top
and bottom joints of the Junior MX and Junior
PLUS+ clarinets has been removed, making it
easier for young children to assemble and
disassemble the instrument.
The removal of the link mechanism makes the
Junior clarinets more durable and easier to
maintain compared to standard student
models.
Jun
ior
MX
Cla
rin
et
Jun
ior
PLU
S+ C
lari
net
The SimpleFit mouthpiece is an innovative product that allows a
student to attach a reed to their clarinet quickly, easily, and
accurately. It combines a standard Bb mouthpiece with a specially
designed ligature to make a one-piece unit with a channel to hold
the reed in the correct place. A student simply needs to slide the
reed into position and secure it with the integral thumbnut.
Using a Howarth SimpleFit mouthpiece allows a student to set up
their clarinet independently without help from a teacher. This can
promote practice and help motivate the learner who will benefit
from a good tone, precise note production and better control of
the sound produced from the instrument. The ease with which a
student can attach the reed to the Howarth SimpleFit mouthpiece
can also save a significant amount of time in lessons, which is
particularly attractive in a group teaching situation.
We make the Howarth SimpleFit mouthpiece in our own
manufacturing workshops from synthetic materials for durability.
It can be thoroughly cleaned to maintain good hygiene and comes
with a cap to protect the reed. The Howarth SimpleFit mouthpiece
is designed to be used with standard Rico by D’Addario reeds to
ensure optimum placement vertically from the tip of the
mouthpiece and horizontally against the side rails.
We supply a SimpleFit mouthpiece as standard with all Howarth
Junior clarinets (see page 22). However, they can also be
purchased separately or as a supplementary option with any Bb
clarinet or chalumeau.
Howarth SimpleFit Mouthpiece
23
The SimpleFit mouthpiece is supplied as standard with Howarth Junior clarinets. It
can also be suppled as a supplementary option with any Bb clarinet / chalumeau or
purchased separately.
Howarth Academy Clarinet
The Academy clarinet is an ideal instrument for progressing and enthusiastic
students. It produces a focussed and full-textured sound and has excellent
tuning throughout the clarinet. It is made to a high standard and is great
value for money.
The body is made from a robust synthetic material that helps keep the
weight of the instrument low, making it suitable for those who want a lighter
instrument. At just over 700g, it weights up to 100g less than a wooden
instrument. It comes with an adjustable thumbrest that allows the student to
hold the clarinet in the most comfortable position, a feature that it especially
useful for children with smaller hands.
Our craftsmen check and play every clarinet before it leaves our workshops
and we adjust the keywork to ensure that they keys are sprung to a suitable
tension for young players. The ergonomically designed keywork is coated in a
generous layer of silver-plate. It is durable and can be easily maintained for
reliability, giving the clarinettist a long-lasting instrument.
We include a mouthpiece suitable for beginners with every clarinet and this
comes with a metal ligature and plastic cap. A Howarth SimpleFit mouthpiece
can also be used with the Academy clarinet to make attaching the reed easier
for a young student. Further information about the SimpleFit mouthpiece can
be found on page 23.
The Academy clarinet is supplied in a sturdy case to ensure the instrument is
well protected. Cleaning materials and a cork grease are also included.
Academy Clarinet
• 17 silver-plated keys
• Durable synthetic body
• Adjustable thumbrest
• Mouthpiece, ligature and cap included
The Academy clarinet is supplied with a good
quality plastic mouthpiece that is perfect for a
beginner. A metal ligature and plastic cap are
also included.
The Academy clarinet features an adjustable
thumbrest to make holding the clarinet more
comfortable.
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25
25
The Howarth Junior MX clarinet
is designed as a first access instrument.
Trevor James Alphasax
The Alphasax by Trevor James is a saxophone with modified
keywork designed for young children to make the
instrument lighter to hold and easier to play. It is pitched in
the key of Eb, like a traditional alto saxophone, and has a
full chromatic range from low C to high D. This allows a
student to play up to grade 3 standard using the same
fingerings and reeds as a traditional saxophone for easy
progression onto a more advanced model.
The instrument only has the keys needed in the first stages
of learning, and keys such as the low B and Bb have been
removed. Two of the left-hand palm keys have also been
taken away, leaving only the high D key, the shape of which
has been modified to stop it being opened accidentally by
small hands. Other keys have been repositioned to make
them easier to reach, for example, the right-hand little
finger keys.
At only 1.86kg in weight the Alphasax is 33% lighter than
the traditional alto saxophone. It is supplied in a lightweight
moulded case with backpack straps. It comes with a harness
strap, mouthpiece, cap, and a single screw ligature.
Alphasax
• Reduced keywork mechanism to make the Alphasax light and
simple
• Pitched in Eb like a standard alto saxophone
• Uses same fingerings as a standard saxophone
• Fully chromatic
• Mouthpiece, reeds and ligature are the same as for a standard
alto
The key mechanisms have been
redesigned to make the instrument
easier for young players.
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The right-hand little finger keys have
are more comfortable for small
hands to reach.
Howarth Saxophones
We have developed a range of saxophones to meet our
customers’ expectations of high-quality instruments. They
are manufactured using the latest techniques and carefully
designed to ensure accuracy and a clean action when
playing.
The first model in our collection is the Paddington
saxophone. It is a gold lacquered alto with high-quality
keywork that feels comfortable under the fingers and
produces a good tone across the instrument. It is suitable as
an entry level and upgrade saxophone.
Our more advanced instruments are called Chiltern
saxophones, which produce a warm and rich sound offered
by ‘vintage’ instruments. They are available as sopranino,
soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones and come in
a range of fashionable colours. The Chiltern saxophones are
also elegantly engraved for extra impact.
The Howarth saxophones are made from high-quality
materials that are durable and easy to maintain. Our
technicians carefully check and play each one before they
leave our workshops.
The instruments are supplied in a sturdy case with a range
of accessories including mouthpiece, ligature, cap, cleaning
materials and a sling to support the instrument.
Paddington Saxophone
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Chiltern Saxophones
The Paddington saxophone is a gold lacquer
alto.
The Chiltern saxophones come in a range of finishes. They are available as
sopranino, soprano, alto with large or small bell, tenor and baritone.
Howarth Junior Flute
The Junior flute is a great access instrument for young learners. It is a keyless
diatonic model that has a similar feel to a folk flute or fife and it is pitched in
the key of Eb. The body is shorter than a standard flute to make it more
comfortable for young players to hold and the toneholes have been carefully
positioned to make the instrument easy for those with small fingers to play.
We make the flute in our manufacturing workshops from African Blackwood,
which is the same material we use to make our oboes and cors anglais. The
wood is durable and gives the flute a mellow tone that we enrich further by
undercutting. The instrument has two pieces so that it is quick and easy to
assemble with o-rings to form a seal between the headjoint and the main
body of the flute. This helps to ensure the maintenance costs for the Junior
flute are low.
We designed the flute in collaboration with Lambeth Music Service for their
whole class ensemble teaching programme called Musitrax. They requested
an Eb flute, so the students can learn to play flute, clarinet, and alto
saxophone together as a whole class band. They are taught by finger
positions (i.e. 1, 2, & 3) as the sounding pitch of the Bb and Eb instruments
are the same.
Junior Eb Flute
• Keyless diatonic flute
• Pitched in Eb
• Fusion fingering between flute and recorder
• Designed for whole class ensemble teaching
• Body made from seasoned African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon)
Sounding pitch: A#/Bb
Written (Bb): C
Written (Eb): G
Sounding pitch: C
Written (Bb): D
Written (Eb): A
Sounding pitch: D
Written (Bb): E
Written (Eb): B
1.
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The Junior flute is supplied in a lightweight case with a cleaning mop
included.
Student Flutes
29
We offer a range of students flutes with different options to
match the size requirements of the player. All models
below are pitched in the key of C and are supplied in a
sturdy case with a cleaning rod.
This is the standard flute design and is suitable for players
who can comfortably hold a full-length instrument in the
correct playing position. Beginners and those with small
hands should opt for models with closed holes to make the
flute easier to play. Many models also have an offset G to
help reduce the stretch of the left-hand fingers.
Suggested makes to try:
• Vivace by Kurioshi
• Trevor James
• Yamaha
Straight Head Flute
Curved head flutes are designed to be more comfortable
for smaller players as they bring the child’s hands closer to
their body. Some manufacturers supply both curved and
straight headjoints with the flute, making it easy to change
to a straight headjoint when the student can hold the full
instrument.
Suggested makes to try:
• Vivace by Kurioshi
• Trevor James
• Yamaha
Curved Head Flute
Waveline flutes are a patented design by Jupiter. They have
a U-shaped headjoint to reduce the distance of the hands
from the body, while keeping a traditional flute posture
with head and body inline. There are two models of
Waveline flute available, which are both are pitched in C.
The JFL700WD model is for younger children and has a
one-piece body to low D. The JFL700WE flute has a C
footjoint and can play the full flute’s range. This model is
suitable for children aged from seven years old. As the
student grows, an extension kit can be purchased for the
JFL700WE to change it to a standard student flute.
Waveline Flute
Cu
rved
Hea
d F
lute
Wav
elin
e Fl
ute
Stra
igh
t H
ead
Flu
te
Saxonette
The Saxonette is a wooden instrument with a clarinet mouthpiece. The body
is like a recorder and it is played with similar fingerings to the German
recorder system, which corresponds to a saxophone’s basic scale. It is a good
stepping stone between the recorder and a single reed instrument as it
introduces the skills needed to play the clarinet or saxophone.
The instrument is keyless and based on a chalumeau. It is pitched in C and
can play just over one chromatic octave with a warm and mellow tone. It has
a thick one-piece body made from pear wood, that is light and comfortable
to hold. It needs little maintenance, making it perfect for use in a classroom.
The Saxonette is supplied with a standard Bb mouthpiece and ligature. It is
also possible to use our Howarth SimpleFit mouthpiece to make it quicker
and easier to attach a reed. More details about the SimpleFit can be found
on page 23. The Saxonette is supplied in a soft wrap-around case with
cleaning materials.
Saxonette
• German recorder fingerings
• Played with standard Bb mouthpiece, ligature and reeds
• Pitched in C
• One-piece pear wood body
• Howarth SimpleFit mouthpiece can be specified
The Saxonette is supplied in a wrap around soft case
with accessories including a standard Bb mouthpiece
and ligature. It is possible to upgrade the mouthpiece
to a Howarth SimpleFit mouthpiece, which simplifies
the process of correctly positioning the reed onto the
mouthpiece.
30
Nuvo manufacture a range of lightweight instruments that are
particularly well suited to children and young beginners. They are
made from lightweight ABS plastic resin and are extremely
durable, making them a popular choice for use in the classroom.
They are 100% waterproof so they can be washed frequently.
Nuvo instruments are all pitched in the key of C, allowing them all
to be played together or as an interesting addition to a recorder
ensemble. A selection of colours are available.
Nuvo Instruments
JFlu
te
31
Nuvo make a flute suitable for children aged 4 – 10 years old called
the jFlute. It features a fully adjustable curved headjoint and a mini
foot joint to reduce the length of the instrument, making it more
comfortable for young players to hold. The jFlute also has extended
keys for the left hand so those with small hands can reach the keys
more easily. It is played using standard fingerings and can play
chromatically from low D. It is supplied as a one-piece unit that can
be played straight from the case with no assembly needed. An
Upgrade Kit can be purchased to transform the jFlute into a Nuvo
Student Flute as the student gets older. This contains a straight
headjoint, a C footjoint and an insert for the case to fit the new
shape.
The Student flute is a standard instrument and can be used in the
same situations as other traditional student models. It weighs just
over half the weight of a metal flute making it suitable for young
learners wanting a lighter instrument. Both flutes have an
easy-blowing lip plate that helps to produce a smooth and
resonant tone. The flutes also come with a ‘firstnote’ lip plate, like
a recorder mouthpiece, to help students produce notes straight
away, while training them to blow across the instrument. The
flutes are supplied in a lightweight case with cleaning accessories.
Nuvo Flutes
The flutes are supplied with a standard lip plate and a ‘firstnote’ lip plate, which
helps students produce a sound from the beginning.
Colours available for jFlute: black with steel collar, white with blue collar, white with
green collar, white with pink collar.
Colours available for student flute: black with steel collar, blue with black keywork,
green with black keywork, pink with black keywork.
The Clarinéo is designed for beginners aged from four years
old. It is smaller and lighter than a standard Bb clarinet with
smaller toneholes to make it easier for young children to
play. It is played using standard clarinet fingerings to make
it easy for progression onto the full instrument. It can play
three and a half octaves fully chromatically.
The Clarinéo has a special mouthpiece with an integrated
guide to help students fit the reed correctly. It also has a
clip-on ligature to help simplify setting-up the mouthpiece.
The Clarinéo comes with two synthetic reeds and a
traditional cane Eb reed and is supplied in a lightweight
case with cleaning accessories included.
Cla
rin
éo
JSax
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Nuvo Clarine o
Nuvo jSax
The jSax is the perfect instrument for young children who
want to play the saxophone but are not ready for the size
and weight of a metal instrument. It is played using a fusion
of saxophone and recorder fingerings and it enables
children to develop skills that can be transferred onto a
full-size saxophone, such as breathing and forming the
embouchure.
The jSax is suitable for students with small hands. It is
possible to play the instrument open-holed or with the
optional key-caps to minimise the distance between the
fingers. It produces a mellow sound and can play
chromatically from middle C to G in the next octave, when
played without the key-caps.
Nuvo produce a separate ‘Straighten your jSax’ kit that
consists of a straight neck and bell to change the shape of
the instrument from curved to straight. Some older
students and adults may find this more comfortable to play.
The jSax is played using Nuvo synthetic reeds or cane Eb
clarinet reeds. Some soprano saxophone mouthpieces can
also be used. It is supplied in a durable moulded case with a
fingering chart.
Colours available for jSax: black with black trim, black with blue trim, black
with green trim, black with pink trim, white with blue trim, white with green
trim, white with pink trim.
Colours available for Clarinéo: black with silver trim, white with blue trim,
white with green trim, white with pink trim.
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Nuvo DooD
The DooD is the perfect stepping stone between a recorder and
clarinet as it introduces the skills needed to play a single-reed
instrument, such as forming the embouchure, tonguing and
breathing. It is a small instrument played with a Clarinéo
mouthpiece and recorder-like fingerings. It can play one octave
chromatically plus a few extra notes in the second register. It has a
simple and durable key system that allows smaller children to
cover the holes comfortably and an adjustable thumbrest to allow
good hand position.
The DooD comes with two synthetic reeds featuring a guide to
help with accurate placement onto the mouthpiece. It can also be
played with a cane Eb clarinet reed. It is supplied in a soft case
with a fingering chart included.
Nuvo TooT
The TooT is a great access instrument onto the flute. It is small and
light and can play just over an octave chromatically using recorder
fingerings, allowing a student to play simple tunes while learning
posture, fingering and embouchure.
The thick-bodied instrument is comfortable for smaller hands to
hold. It has a scalloped recess at the back of the instrument to
help with correct placement of the thumb as well as indents over
the toneholes to make it easier to position the fingers. The tone
hole for the right-hand little finger key is raised to make it easier to
reach.
The TooT is supplied with two lip plates. One is shaped the same
as a standard flute and is easy blowing. Nuvo’s patented FirstNote
lip plate is also included, this allows students to play notes
immediately while training them to blow across the instrument.
The TooT is supplied in a soft case with a fingering chart.
Do
oD
Too
T
Colours available for DooD: black with black trim, black with blue trim, black with
green trim, black with pink trim, white with blue trim, white with green trim, white
with pink trim.
London Showrooms
31 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7PN, UK
Education Department
19 Buckingham Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1TH, UK
howarth.uk.com H-EB18-01
