CLARINETS DIRECT

020 8287 8075 or 07787 770071

Rare instruments for hire:

1. Matched Pair of EJ Albert clarinets. [Please double click title to view a photo gallery.]

Bb S/N 8345 & A S/N 3528. Both instruments are Boehm system but with 7 rings, an additional R.H. trill key link to the throat A Key, an additional low G vent, i.e. like a modern Selmer Paris Bass clarinet and a roller on the L. H. Ab/Eb key. Superb condition with excellent evenness and intonation at A = 440.

2. Matched Pair of Albert Basset Clarinets. [Please double click in order to view photo gallery.]

Originally made by Jacques Albert Fils, and modified by Ted Planas for Stephen Trier. Excellent condition and intonation at A= 440. The supplied mouthpiece is a Pillinger F1 bore [copy of 1930 Louis interior] with a DOV124 facing.  The pair feature 7 rings with fork Eb/Bb, articulated C#/G# key and additional L.H. Ab/Eb lever. The three lower pitches are played by R.H thumb buttons on the rear and there is a floor spike as well as a sling hook.

3. Pair of Hawkes Excelsior Sonorous Martels [Please double click in order to view photo gallery.]

These are a very rare and fine pair of Hawkes & Co. Excelsior Sonorous Martels. This is the type of clarinet most closely asociated with Reginald Kell who reputedly recorded the Brahms Quintet with the Busch String Quartet at Abbey Road, on a borrowed instrument of the 4000 S/N series. I have been lucky enough recently to play test the pair Reg used and I can confirm that this pair are of comparable quality. The m'piece which tunes this pair well, has no makers stamp but plays very easily with Vandoren 3 or 3.5 reeds. In addition there is an original G. Howarth m'piece supplied but there is damage to the tip rail.
The Bb S/N 4691, has several repaired cracks to the bell, and a sealed crack to the upper joint which does not run through to the bore. All pads are tan leather and sealing well. Prior to, and after each period of hire, these instruments will be sent to the workshop for a thorough check down. There is a thread repair to the lower joint tenon, which will be replaced with new cork. NB The pair were photographed prior to going into the workshop. The plating on the Bb, is I believe, original, i.e. these are the original German Silver keys. This clarinet carries the famous Draper X1 above the rear thumb rest, it probably dates to around 1913.
The A, S/N 1196, has a replacement bell, S/N 2063, but is actually in better overall condition than the Bb. There are no cracks or damage, but the key work has been replated in chrome at some point in the past. All tan leather pads are good, there is no joint wobble. This instrument is early, possibly 1907, and may well predate Draper's involvement with Hawkes.

PRICES;

1. Albert pair, starting from £75 per week with longer periods attracting discounts of 10-25%. A security deposit of at least £500 required.

2. Albert Basset Clarinets. Single instrument from £80 per week with negotiable discounts of 10-25%. A security deposit of at least £1000.

3. Hawkes Excelsior Sonorous, starting from £75 per week with longer periods attracting discounts of 10-25%. A security deposit of at least £500 required.