Meet our founder, John Armstrong.

His unwavering dedication towards creating exceptional musical instruments has been the driving force behind our success.

John Armstrong is an Australian oboist and oboe maker with a rich history in the music industry. He has worked for reputable companies such as T.W. Howarth in London, the KG reed company in Shanghai, Rigoutat in Paris, Jinyin and Bailicheng in Hebei, China. His extensive experience and dedication to the craft make him truly respected in the world of oboe making.

John began crafting oboes in 1989, driven by a passion for creating exceptional instruments. In 2006, he joined forces with renowned oboe maker Tony Ward to introduce the Armstrong Ward oboe to the Australian market, which was later rebranded as the “KG” oboe in Shanghai.

Over the years, John’s unwavering commitment to innovation and craftsmanship has culminated in the establishment of the Armstrong Werth brand. This brand strives to deliver oboes that combine affordability with a superior playing experience, leveraging modern manufacturing techniques and premium materials.

John’s designs seamlessly blend traditional artistry with the evolving needs of contemporary oboists, offering instruments that truly resonate with today’s musicians.