 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Bill
Date: 2000-11-17 13:33
I've got two "Marigaux by SML" clarinets. One is obviously older than the other judging from (among other things) the keywork: the "retainer" (or basket or slot or holder) for the top two trill keys has the much older triangular design (compared to the rounded design on newer instruments---this is an easy thing to observe in old vs. new Buffets), the LH pinkie C#/G# key has a leaf spring, and the pillar mountings on the older clarinet are standard (those on the newer one are wide and circular like that which I've seen on newer SMLs). Both clarinets have serial numbers that are four digits long, yet the "newer" instrument has a lower serial number (35xx compared to 49xx). The keywork on both appears to be the original for the instrument. I would think that we're talking different models, but that is actually not the case. Both clarinets are marked simply "Marigaux by SML," the older one bearing the marks on both long joints, the newer one on only the top joint. I do not believe different models are involved.
Anyone have a clue what's going on with the serial numbers? --Bill.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Fred
Date: 2000-11-17 15:32
Sorry, Bill. I can't help you with the numbers. But I was curious . . . what is your opinion of the two Marigaux's? What more common instruments do you think they might compare to?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bill
Date: 2000-11-17 16:05
Both are in sad shape. But the older of the pair I was able to bring around to "playable" condition. I've played a Leblanc L7, Selmer Series 9, R-13, pre-war Buffet, Selmer "Recital," and some other lesser-known wooden clarinets. The Marigaux is my favorite clarinet. To me, it sounds "dark" without being stuffy or difficult to articulate, and has a pleasant "woody" quality without sounding thin in the lowest tones. I would say if you took the best qualities of a pre-Series 10 Selmer (flexible, clear, fluid tones) and those of a 1980's R13 ("dark," robust tones and better intonation), you'd have the SML. --Bill.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dave Spiegelthal
Date: 2000-11-17 17:09
I''ve had both a modern (bought brand new 8 years ago) Marigaux S200 clarinet, and an old (1930's or '40's vintage?) SML"5-Star" clarinet (which I completely restored); both were very good instruments, I'd place them at advanced intermediate to lower professional grade clarinets. Also FYI, Marigaux saxophones (marketed in the States for a few years by King) are also very highly regarded, as are their English horns and oboes.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-11-19 18:58
Bill, I recieved an E-Mail from "jlpetit@club-internet.fr" in non-fluent [to me] French , likely because of my earlier post [below yours] , so suggest you contact J L Petit for the Marigaux info there seems to be in it Luck. Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
