CLARINETS DIRECT

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MATCHED PAIR OF BOOSEY & HAWKES IMPERIAL 926 CLARINETS, £1095

A good condition matched pair of B&H 926 Imperial clarinets, which are a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. The Imperial 926 was manufactured to the same standard as the Imperial Symphony 1010, both top of the range professional quality instruments. The 926, at 15.0 mm, was less large in the bore, and also required a correctly designed, tapered bore, 926 mouthpiece. These instruments do not play in tune with standard French m'pieces, i.e. Vandoren & Selmer, unless re-bored.
The instruments were last overhauled, with no expense spared, in 2011, and have been unused since. Each clarinet has what is termed an "Artist Quality" set up, with cork pads on the upper joint, and leather on the lower. The advantage of this type of overhaul is that the cork pads resist water intrusion, and are typically good for 10 years of use. The cost, at 360 Euros per clarinet, is usual for this level of overhaul, & the invoices are included in the sale. The bore and wood of the pair are excellent with no cracks, damage or wear. However, in the past, someone appears to have attempted to glue a bell ring on to the A clarinet, and the bell rim is covered with the residue, see photo 8. The matching serial nos. are 120023 on the Bb and 120510A on the A. This dates the pair to the mid 1950's. The Silver plating consequently does show some slight tarnish, and also a couple of the LH "pinky keys" on the A show light scratches. The B & H original m'piece is in good condition. The case is again in good used condition. This pair play very well and will be maintenance free for some considerable time, they would suit a player looking for a profesional quality pair at a bargain price. If desired the pair can be split as follows: A for £595 in double case, and the Bb, in new single case with m'piece, for £545.