 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Elyse
Date: 1999-09-24 02:49
I have owned the above for 30+ years and there was prior owners before that. I would appreciate any information you have on this instrument! Does anyone know if it is worth anything and an approximate age?
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Author: Dave Spiegelthal
Date: 1999-09-24 14:56
Couesnon was a decent French manufacturer, although they're mainly known for brass instruments. A. Fontaine, I believe (Mark, can you help us out?) mainly sold "stencil" instruments, that is, made by others but with the Fontaine name on them. I just restored a Couesnon "Monopole" clarinet (late 40's-early 50's vintage, I think), and it's a very nice clarinet. I can't tell from your post whether your instrument is a "hybrid" of Couesnon and Fontaine-labeled parts, or if it's a Fontaine stencil made by Couesnon. Sorry I can't help more than that.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 1999-09-26 00:48
Dave -
you're right. The A. Fontaine is a stencil name. There's no discernable connection to Couesenon.
If A. Fontaine and Couesenon are stamped on the same joint, then all is well. If there stamped on different pieces, then there is a distinct possibility you're playing on a hybrid.
Dave, I hope the Monopole is a reasonable 2nd clarinet. You & I are bidding on the same one over on eBay :^)
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Author: Dave Spiegelthal
Date: 1999-09-27 15:36
Mark,
Overcome by events (as you know)--- someone else (possibly you?) won that auction. However, I still have my Monopole which I (fortunately?) didn't sell this weekend. It's really a lovely instrument, beautiful grain to the wood, nice warm sound, comfortable keywork. My only criticism of it is the intonation, which is not ideal (as I found out after playing it at orchestra rehearsal last week). The low chalumeau E (and corresponding middle B) are rather low, and the altissimo F and F-sharp are a bit low also. But generally a nice axe and a very good 2nd clarinet to have. I think I'll keep mine unless someone makes me a really good offer, or my wife mandates sale!
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 1999-09-27 20:55
Dave, I "won" that auction (I don't really think of it as winning, since I was high bidder :^) $51.35 . Looking forward to getting it delivered to me.
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