Since the company was founded in 1948, Howarth oboes have become known as some of the finest in the world. American professionals have recently taken an interest in Howarth oboes for their ease of playing and consistency of sound from oboe to oboe. The student models share many of the qualities of the professional oboes and are a great value. The professional oboes, the S5 and XL, are first-class. The XL has thick bore walls and has a sound that is immediately smooth and complex. The S5 has slightly thinner walls, making for a lighter instrument that still has plenty of projection. The keywork of all Howarth oboes is comfortable and maintains its adjustments.