CLARINETS DIRECT

020 85811113 or 07787 770071

MATCHED PAIR OF LOUIS LONDON CLARINETS, RIPPER COLLECTION, £1995

These are an exceptionally rare and fine pair of Louis of London English clarinets, which are a commission sale, having been formerly owned by Pete Ripper. The firm was strongly associated with possibly the finest ever French makers: Martel Freres. Each Louis instrument was completely hand made and undercut in their London premises, 2 Burnsall Street, Chelsea W3. The finishing alone took 2-3 days. Charles Draper personally endorsed these makers. The perfect uninhibited open response, and excellent tuning make for a true "players clarinet" which is a physical delight to blow, superior to much on the mass produced market today.
These instruments are in excellent condition, for clarinets made in the 1920's. The pads are tan leather throughout in perfect condition. There is a small crack to the top of the lower joint of the Bb, which runs from the tenon ring down to the first tone hole. The crack is a surface crack and has no effect whatsoever on the response. This apart, the Grenadilla wood is in very good condition, with only scuffs and marks associated with careful professional use. There is no joint wobble. The hand burnished German Silver key work shows absolutely no wear or play to the mechanism. All pieces are matching and original apart from the barrel for the A, which is from a Selmer. This is however a good match for the A and tunes it well. The Bb has matching serial nos. 522, and the A has matching serial nos. 539 The 2 supplied m'pieces are both original, the shorter of the two plays well and tunes both instruments nicely. The case is a Selmer in good used condition, supplied with key.