Author: PE Bb
Date: 2006-05-05 15:23
O.K., This is my first post to this BB after lurking for some time.
I play a Couesnon Monopole clarinet that I bought used in the 1970's for $50. It was an obvious upgrade from the Martin Freres that I started out on- denser wood, reinforced tenons, tighter keywork. I played my Couesnon through music school, but put it down for many years while I persued a career that would pay the bills. I picked it back up about seven years ago, and have regained most of the ability of my youth. When I started practicing regularly again, I had the clarinet overhauled (pads, corks, adjust keywork) for the first time since I owned it. The technician used synthetic pads, and the clarity of the sound changed dramatically.
The instrument has a couple of areas where the intonation is a bit tricky:
D4 (below the staff) tends to run sharp, especially at soft dynamic levels. D5 (4th line) runs a little flat. However, when my reed and mouthpiece are really working well together, I think I can really make some music with this clarinet.
Reading the board here has made me curious about newer models and different makes, and I've gone out and tried a few horns at music stores around town, but I haven't played a horn that was so much better that I felt I should reach into my pocket and shell-out for a new horn.
My horn must be a very early Monopole, with a serial number at 01xxx.
Paul
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The Clarinet BBoard
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