CLARINETS DIRECT

020 85811113 or 07787 770071

COUESNON, MONOPOLE CONSERVATOIRE Bb CLARINET, £595

This is the top of the range professional "Monopole" Conservatoires model Bb clarinet made by Couesnon, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. At one time they were the largest French manufacturer of band instruments, and seem to have had a long tradition of supplying the French military. Trumpet and clarinet manufacture continued until the 1960's. Auguste Perier, the great French clarinettist, endorsed the "Monopole" clarinet, which was the best model made by Couesnon.
This example dates from the early 1960's or possibly late 1950's and is in superb condition. The matching serial nos., on all pieces , are 30570. The Maillechort key work is in pristine throughout. All of the fish skin pads are sealing well, and all corks are also good. We have thoroughly checked over the clarinet in our workshop. The Grenadilla wood is very fine. The bore is 14.7mm, remarkably close to a Buffet R13 of the period. The m'piece is again original but the clarinet will play and tune well with any standard Vandoren or Selmer mouthpiece.