CLARINETS DIRECT

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COUESNON, PARIS, FULL BOEHM Bb CLARINET, £695

This is an extremely rare Couesnon Full Boehm Bb clarinet, which was part of the late Professor John Playfair's collection of Couesnon clarinets. 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. The German silver key work is in good condition throughout, with minimal wear. Please note the extremely neat articulated C#/G# key design, which is unique to Couesnon, and gives little regulation trouble. The clarinet has recently entirely re-padded in Pisoni Deluxe leather pads, the majority are white with some tan, all pads are in "as new" condition. There are no cracks or damage to the main body of the wood which is in good order throughout, apart from the shorter of the two barrels which has a repaired crack, see photo 12. The matching serial numbers are 6750. The mouthpiece is a Selmer Series 10 HS in excellent condition. The case is the original in fair condition, it latches well, but the handle has failed.