CLARINETS DIRECT

020 8893 3172 or 07787 770071

DOUBLE BOEHM Bb CLARINET, £995.

This is possibly the World's rarest clarinet, a Double Boehm. It was the brain child of the great Belgian Acoustician, and clarinet designer, Charles Houvenaghel. I had always believed that only resonite instruments were made in this system, however this is a Grenadilla wood, quality made instrument, which from appearances may well have been made in the Noblet or Leblanc factory, see the "in-line jump" trill keys." With a double Boehm clarinet basically the fingering system of the LH mirrors that of the RH. For the third register a touchpiece is provided similar to that found on Alto and Bass clarinets. Houvenaghel believed this would make for a much more even scale, in terms of both intonation and tone colour. Sadly this view was not shared by other manufacturers, including his own employer: Leblanc. Doubtless this must have been a source of disappointmnent to him. Though this clarinet is perfectly playable, it is, in my opinion, definitely the perfect Xmas present for a collector!
The Bb has matching serial nos. 1025 and has Nickel Silver plate in fair condition, with some wear throughout, the plating is about 85%. The wood is in overall excellent condition, with no cracks or repairs, to the main pieces, though the barrel has cracked, and been repaired and sealed with glue. All pads are brand new Pisoni Premium Deluxe Tan Leather. The instrument has been completely re-padded by Clarinets Direct and is sold with our full 1 year warranty. The m'piece is the original, in good condition. The case shows some tears to the interior lining but still latches well.