I was thinking of buying a Howarth S20 Oboe (English Thumbplate System), do any of you have one/ or have any opinions on them, and should I buy 2nd hand or new?

Try posting in the Woodwind forum.

I play a Howarth S40 and know several other S40 players. We all appear to like them a great deal. I have mentioned before on these forums that I think the S40, although more expensive than the S20, is actually better value for money.

Secondhand is good if you can find a nice one - cheaper than new and played in.

S20 is definately a good buy! If you buy secondhand, make sure you try before you buy! An oboe is such a personal thing, I would not recommend buying anything without a trip to somewhere like Howarths to be able to try out a range of instruments to find what suits you best. Take a good reed with you, too.

Buy the Oboe on the day...dont hold to a brand or model, see whats out there and see what suits both you and your pocket...try whatever is on the shelves, Loree , Marigaux, Rigoutat, Frank (if you see one) but if you have your heart set on a Howarth take your time till one you really like comes along..

Secondhand is a good idea, cheaper, blown in and ready to go...

I recently played an S20, very nice, good clean tone and tuning so you wont go far wrong...not sure how many are on the secondhand market..

Not a Howarth Player myself but I have many friends who like them very much..

The S20 is a great instrument, I had one for nearly ten years - though I've never played an S40 it seems to have that 'Howarth' feel and is a good all-rounder.
The second hand price has recently dropped significantly so it's definitely worth looking there.

Howarths currently have three S20's secondhand for sale..

here you go..

http://www.howarth.uk.com/acrobat/Oboe2h.pdf

Give them a call