Howarth S5 XL+3 Transitional Full-Conservatory Oboe, 3rd Octave Key, Tip Top Obo

One of several professional oboes we are offering for sale.  This is a Howarth XL S5 transitional model.  The full explanation from Howarth is attached, but in summary, it’s a full-conservatory Gillet system made just before 1988 as they were evolving the S5 into the XL model.  This is a full-grenadilla instrument.  It is a thicker-walled instrument like the S55C, with a similar, exceptional tone.  For comparison’s sake, the XL is currently selling direct from Howarth for $12,541.25. 
 
This one is Just back from Nick Thompson of Tip Top Oboes—a great oboe tech formerly of Onks Woodwind Specialists—who did $475 worth of work to it:  resurfaced one tone hole, leveled pads, cleaned, oiled, straightened any bent keys, freed and tightened key mechanisms as needed, replaced lots of key materials, retensioned springs, loctited adjustments screws, and more.  Includes low Bb vent, F resonance key, left F, articulated C#, split D/D#, extra trills, and even a third octave key.  Comes in the original, slimline pochette case, and includes a brand new, $79.95 Kaces LUXE weather-resistant bag, which adds a strap, tons of zippered storage space, and a bunch of class to your instrument.
 
 An exceptional pro oboe put into the best condition imaginable by one of the best oboe specialists in the country at half the cost of new, so snatch it up before the back-to-conservatory rush!