Klarinet Archive - Posting 000374.txt from 2009/02

From: "Lelia Loban" <lelialoban@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Boosey & Hawkes Special
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:26:19 -0500

Can anyone tell me anything about the Boosey & Hawkes Special model
clarinet? I bought one cheap at a local "get rid of it" auction last night.
This is a Bb grenadilla clarinet with the model name "Special" and (smaller)
"Made in England" in block sans-serif letters on the top section, above the
A/Ab crossover keys. The serial number, on both sections, dates the clarinet
to late 1951 or early 1952. Standard Boehm keywork, 6 rings, 17 keys. The
keys are cast, not forged.

There's lots of info online about Boosey & Hawkes, the pro-quality Imperial
and Emperor (1010) clarinets and the student-quality Edgeware and Regent,
but I haven't been able to find a thing about the Special. It needs new
corks and pads before I can try it out. Any information much appreciated!

The only mouthpiece in the case is an after-market hard rubber Noblet that
seems to be a lot newer than the clarinet. (There are no tooth scars and the
mouthpiece cork looks fresh, whereas the clarinet corks and pads are all
extremely deteriorated and the key touches show plate wear.) The case
appears to be about the same age as the clarinet, but it has no
manufacturer's logo. The case is wood, contoured, small, with good brass
"Presto" latches and key, matte black Keratol covering in an alligator hide
pattern and an amusingly hideous, shiny, orange fake fur lining. The
mouthpiece and reeds had not been kept clean and the case and instrument
smell bad, but otherwise there's no damage except the potential for cracking
later because someone has glued the metal tenon rings to the wood.

Lelia Loban
http://members.sibeliusmusic.com/Lelia_Loban

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