The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: is an o/haul for my Couesnon worth it?

Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2006-05-04 12:12

Last year I came across a series of messages on this forum about Couesnon Monopole clarinets and became intrigued. Amazingly, within 3 days I found a Couesnon Monopole for sale at a pretty low price. When I took the clarinet to my repair tech he checked it over and commented about the high quality of its craftsmanship and materials. We found it interesting that the bore measurement is exactly .580 at BOTH ends of the upper joint. This is something that's not found in contemporary clarinets. He gave it a full overhaul and used cork pads in the upper joint and several in the lower joint. I am extremely happy with this clarinet. I love its quality of sound and how it is very consistent through out its range. Intonation is excellent as is its level of projection. I enjoy playing instruments that have a special kind of personality and character rather than being a clone of what many others are using. In this way, my primary saxophone is a 1934 Buescher New Aristocrat rather than a Selmer. I think of my Couesnon as being on a comparable level of performance and craftsmanship as my treasured Buescher.

I cannot predict whether you'll perfer the Couesnon or the Leblanc. However, if your Couesnon is anything like mine then I'm willing to say that the Couesnon is a better quality instrument than the Leblanc. The only way to find out is the roll the dice and see what ya gets. Good luck!

If you don't mind, I'm curious about the serial number of your Couesnon. Mine is 285xx. From what I gather, there are no surviving Couesnon serial number lists. Thus, it's not possible to determine the date of my clarinet. However, as a quess I'm thinking late 60's. Does your Couesnon have a rosewood bell like my model?

Roger

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics