Klarinet Archive - Posting 000085.txt from 1997/05

From: "Anne Bell" <Anne_Bell@-----.com>
Subj: LaMonte Clarinet
Date: Fri, 2 May 1997 21:10:33 -0400

As I was trudging through a backlog of about 200 e-messages I saw "LaMonte"
and this struck a chord. I checked under the hall table and sure enough I
have one. Mine is stamped "La Monte made by Martin Freres" the serial number
is S 20833. It was one that my Grandfather picked up at either a yard sale or
auction. (It is heriditary; I can't resist either) I haven't played it and
probably won't anytime soon since it needs repadding. Whoever owned the
instrument in the first place certainly did quite a bit of playing on it, the
plating is worn from the pinky-keys and many of the posts are screwed (they
were of the single screw type). The upper joint does not have the metal
sleeve mentioned.
As long as people are checking for old clarinet makers I have a couple more
requests. The clarinet I started on is wooden marked:
Jean Martin
Paris
M
B
Low Pitch
Made in France

The top two lines have a circle around them and above this is a triangular
figure made of three overlapped "boomerangs." The serial number is 2014. As
I recall it was a decent instrument though no match for the Buffet R-13 which
I moved up to and have played ever since. (Especially for $35 at a yard sale)
My final request is probably the most interesting. I can't resist yard sales
either and while I was in high school I ran across a metal clarinet. It was
in rough shape but I decided it was worth it as a conversation piece if
nothing else. It has actually come in handy. I practiced my repair and
overhaul skills without fear of destroying it and have also marched with it.
(I promise not to discuss it!) It is made in one piece the mark is a lyre
with ribbon looking things on both sides over the name "MADELON" and another
florish thing below. Below this is "Made in U.S.A." The serial number is
K853 and a patent number of 1705634 is also stamped near the top. There is a
screw post to put the lyre. The barrel has a twist tuning mechanism like that
of some old saxophones with a metal sleeve inside the body of the barrel so
that when it is lengthened there is no lacuna (?)- gap produced. Yes I know
that it is a perfect cantidate for the infamous lamp but it is more fun to
play. The intonation is surprisingly good.
Thanks in advance for any information.
Anne M. Bell
Anne_Bell@-----.com