CLARINETS DIRECT

020 8893 3172 or 07787 770071

COUESNON, MONOPOLE CONSERVATOIRE Bb CLARINET, £695

This is the top of the range professional, Perier model "Monopole" Conservatoire model Bb clarinet made by Couesnon. 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 considered one of the best instruments in the period after the 1st World War.
This example probably dates from the inter war years and is in very good condition. The special "Perier" model features an additional touchpiece for throat A: This makes trill fingerings involving the throat A key much easier to play, i.e. G/A, G#/A and Ab/Bb [using the Bb trill key in conjunction with the new touchpiece], also a third ring on the upper joint which is probably designed to facilitate Ab/Bb in the clarion, and finally there is also an additional hole to correct the "stuffiness" of the G/D twelfth. This instrument is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. The matching serial nos., on all pieces , are 8923. The Maillechort key work is in good order throughout. Most of the pads are older fish skin, with some new tan leather pads. All are sealing well, and all corks are also good. The Grenadilla wood is very fine, with no cracks or damage to the main pieces. The bell, however, has three small tight hair line cracks to the receiver tenon, which do not go through to the wood surface, see photo 11. The bore is 14.75mm. The case is original, & the m'piece is again original, in excellent condition.