I`ve got a clarinet which is a family heirloom.

Im trying to decide whether or not it is worthwhile keeping it as an antique, or restoring it to a playable condition.

As far as im aware, it is a Eugene Albert wooden clarinet (stamped on mouthpiece and bell), along with extra inscriptions denoting its from SA Chapel`s of London, that its "approved by Mr Lazarus" and serial no`s on both left and right hand barrels.

The case is an old leather Boosey, with an ink stamp on the inside lid, but has faded somewhat and cant read much more information on it.

Does anyone have any information regarding these clarinets? I know Albert was famed for his keywork, and that the instruments lent themeselves well for playing jazz.

I believe the clarinet is early 20`th century and for its age seems in amazing condition. It doesnt look like a Bb (too small) - probably something quirky like a C or G.

Are there any officionado`s on here that can help? Can anyone provide details of valuers in the UK or musical specialist antique dealers?

Cheers,
Chris

7 hits and 0 replies.

Shame on you for being Bundy and Selmer fans!

ello im jay im grade 5 bout 2 do grade 6 wat r u?

Im Chris and I dont play clarinets per se - my background is in Jazz saxophone and gaelic folk music with whistles/flutes.

Im a firm believer in not doing gradings as I`ve found that while people become technically proficient, they loose their imaginative intuition with music, so hence im grade 0!

But, to be fair, have been playing for over 10 years, and have played with musicians such as Andy Hamilton and bands like Fine Young Cannibals, and appeared on UK TV.

Now however, my fame is limited mainly to the pub sessions which I attend.

21 hits......how depressing that no one can help

Ok an update.

Have taken the instrument to both musical shops and antique specialists and now have the following information:

It seems it is made by E Albert and was made between 1842 and 1895 in Brussels, with a S A Chappells acting as agent in London.

The instrument is made from either pear or walnut wood, and displays chatoyancy (cat`s eye effect) in the grain. The mouth piece is not original to the instrument, though is still made by Albert.

The instrument has been been professionally repaired - a split occurring on barrel between mouthpiece and lefthand barrel, and has been pinned with brass. The mouthpiece cover is also made from wood, heavily lacquered and also has a split, which hasnt been repaired.

It is in the key of G, and whilst needing extensive restorative work does play.

In its current value is worth in excess of £400.

So, any takers?

Ok an update.

Have taken the instrument to both musical shops and antique specialists and now have the following information:

It seems it is made by E Albert and was made between 1842 and 1895 in Brussels, with a S A Chappells acting as agent in London.

The instrument is made from either pear or walnut wood, and displays chatoyancy (cat`s eye effect) in the grain. The mouth piece is not original to the instrument, though is still made by Albert.

The instrument has been been professionally repaired - a split occurring on barrel between mouthpiece and lefthand barrel, and has been pinned with brass. The mouthpiece cover is also made from wood, heavily lacquered and also has a split, which hasnt been repaired.

It is in the key of G, and whilst needing extensive restorative work does play.

In its current value is worth in excess of £400.

So, any takers?

oh come on, someone must want a piece of history?

*bump*

Ok ok, how about you just submit your best offer instead, if £400 is asking for too much?