Oboe

 
Howarth Junior oboe (left) vs full size professional model (Howarth XL),
showing the reduced keywork

The oboe is an amazing and expressive instrument with a unique sound.  It has been designated an 'endangered species' instrument as it has declined in popularity in recent years, as fewer people start to learn it.  The reasons for this are various, but it is partly due to the fact that a full sized oboe can be both expensive and difficult for young children to manage.  They may therefore start out on something cheaper and more manageable, like a flute.  Whilst this is often a very practical and rewarding route to take, there are two consequences.  Firstly, the decline in young oboists continues, and secondly the number of (for example) flautists gets even greater, which makes it harder for everyone to get opportunities to play in orchestras and ensembles.

Oboe manufacturers Howarth have come up with their own way of tackling this issue.  They have developed a lighter version of their oboe, which is full size yet with reduced keywork.  The 'Junior Oboe' is much easier to get started on and Howarth are confident it is suitable for children as young as 6.  They sell or rent the oboe, making it much more affordable as a starter instrument.

I have recently had the opportunity to try the Howarth Junior Oboe with a pupil and have been really impressed by it, and so so has she (see photos above).  The quality is superb, the keywork is silver plated and the sound is excellent.  It is based on the S10, their standard student instrument, but is is 80 grams (nearly 3oz) lighter than the S10, and all the finger holes are covered, with extensions to four of them to reduce the stretch for small hands. The key system has been kept as simple as possible and keywork which is most liable to easy damage has been removed. It is made of wood and has stable intonation. 

It is rare for me to endorse an instrument in this way, but as far as I know this is the only one of its type on the market.  The combination of quality, appropriateness for the customer (right down to the funky purple case!) and the rental package are really excellent, and I would love to see more young children take up the oboe. This could be part of the answer.

More information from Howarth