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Clarinet by E. Lerue?

Author: Lelia
Date: 2000-09-05 13:26

Does anyone know anything about a clarinet maker named E. Lerue? I recently bought a clarinet in A (serial number 388xx) by this maker and am restoring it. It's a modern-type 17-key Boehm system wooden clarinet. The style of the case and the type of junk left inside it probably date from sometime around the middle of the 20th century. I bought this clarinet despite the unknown maker because it had some unsual characteristics, and because the wood is really fine, and in perfect condition. It may be cocus, as it is very heavy, undyed jet black with no streaking.

A couple of things interest me in working on this clarinet. The work is precisely and carefully done. Beautiful hand sanding has removed evidence of the types of tools used on the wood, but I've found much evidence of hand tools on the undersides of the keys, which are forged brass with very heavy nickel plating. The nickel polishes to a dull, gray sheen that looks a lot like old "Indian head" nickel coins. Despite evidence that the clarinet was played a lot, the plating has worn *down* but has not come close to wearing *through* on any of the key touches. The keys and everything else about this clarinet are well made, but in a large, solid way . I wouldn't say it's crude, because it's too well crafted for that, but there's nothing purely elegant or decorative going on here. Everything seems solidly functional, and it looks to me as though that was a deliberate, artistic decision (similar to the attitude of "Arts and Crafts" period furniture makers). The clarinet came apart very easily and is a delight to work on. I may find it difficult to play, though, because of the large size of the key rings. My thin fingers will have trouble closing the holes completely.

One possible negative is that the entire instrument uses only three sizes of pads! Maybe that indicates crude tuning. (?) The entire upper joint takes only 9 mm pads. The lower joint takes a pair of 12 mm pads and the rest 16.5 mm. I can't report on the sound yet because I'm missing a pivot screw (all the pivot screws are the same size, too, BTW) and waiting for an order of screws and pads -- ran out of 9 mm pads, naturally! I think I use three times more 9 mm than anything else. Any information about E. Lerue much appreciated.

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