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Seeking info about "Predominant" clarinet

Author: Tony Hall
Date: 2005-03-19 19:15

Hi,

I have a clarinet that my uncle played in the 1930s in England. It displays the model name "Predominant" with what looks like a logo of 3 tower buildings above the name and a key below. See http://www.hotair.demon.co.uk/clarinet/ for a photo (171 KB size) of the horn section showing the name. The barrels are inscribed with "Made in France". I would like to know more about the make and age of this instrument.

The Clarinet Makers page http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/HasAnyoneHeard.html gives the Predominant trade name as belonging to "Boosey & Hawkes (Prima J. Gras)". I know about B&H, but what does the "Prima J. Gras" signify? Does the logo fit with this? Is this consistent with the "Made in France" inscription? Any idea about its date of manufacture?

I'll be grateful for any information about this instrument, which has strong sentimental value in the family as my uncle died in WWII at age 22.

--
Tony Hall

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Re: Seeking info about "Predominant" clarinet

Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2005-03-19 22:00

Tony Hall wrote:

> The Clarinet Makers page
> http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/HasAnyoneHeard.html
> gives the Predominant trade name as belonging to "Boosey &
> Hawkes (Prima J. Gras)". I know about B&H, but what does the
> "Prima J. Gras" signify?

Typo. Should be on a separate line (Prima was made by J. Gras)

The barrels may not be the original ones; it is common to replace them with others for various reasons (tone, intonation, etc.).

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Re: Seeking info about "Predominant" clarinet

Author: Tony Hall
Date: 2005-03-20 06:59

Mark Charette wrote:

> Typo. Should be on a separate line (Prima was made by J. Gras)

OK! That solves that bit.

> The barrels may not be the original ones; it is common to
> replace them with others for various reasons (tone, intonation,
> etc.).

Ah, that's a revelation to me. That separates the barrels' "Made in France" observation from the horn's "Predominant" model name and logo.

I would still like comments about the logo and the age of the instrument. Thanks for your response, Mark.

--
Tony Hall

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