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Boosey & Hawkes 4-20

Author: dkulcinski
Date: 2008-09-29 13:05

Is anyone familiar with a Boosey & Hawkes 4-20? I have seen some older posts on a B & H 2-20, but haven't seen anything, anywhere on the 4-20. I have an opportunity to get a 4-20 and would like more info before I actually get it.

Thank you,

David

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Re: Boosey & Hawkes 4-20

Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-09-29 14:18

I assume the 4-20 is the same as a B&H Emperor which is an intermediate model clarinet. It has a 14.9mm bore and may have silver plated keys.

Check it comes with the long barrel which is between 66.5mm and 67mm as you will have some tuning issues (mostly in the throat notes) if using a shorter length barrel, though you will find it plays best in tune with the 67mm barrel pulled out by around 1-2mm once warmed up.

Do you know the serial number?

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: Boosey & Hawkes 4-20

Author: HJMagpie
Date: 2012-01-21 22:43

I have a B &H 4-20 SN 247441. I was wondering if anyone could offer me some insight or background.

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Re: Boosey & Hawkes 4-20

Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2012-01-22 01:28

HJMagpie wrote:

> I have a B &H 4-20 SN 247441. I was wondering if anyone could
> offer me some insight or background.

This is a rather old thread but everything posted thus far applies. Your clarinet was made in England in the mid 1960's. It was an intermediate level clarinet intended for sale in the export market as were all B&H clarinets with metal bell rims. Most Boosey & Hawkes clarinets are well thought of although they are not as prevalent in the US as they are in the UK.

The value is not particularly high since it is a lesser known brand (in this part of the world) and because it is an intermediate instrument rather than a professional one. Still, if your intent is to play it rather than sell it then you are in fine shape. Most B&H clarinets can be made to play very well by a good tech.

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Re: Boosey & Hawkes 4-20

Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-01-22 02:00

If the instrument has a large bore (like the 1010), you'll need a mouthoiece made for it to play in tune. They're made by, among others, Pillinger http://www.pillingermouthpieces.co.uk/ and Eaton http://www.eatonclarinets.freeserve.co.uk/ (beware of sticker shock).

Ken Shaw

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Re: Boosey & Hawkes 4-20

Author: HJMagpie
Date: 2012-01-22 06:06

Thank you SteveG and Ken Shaw. I appreciate the information. This is one of three clarinets that my family has had for many years. I enjoy playing it. I had no thought of selling it but I am glad to know what the market will bear.

I was wondering about the mouthpiece so I appreciate that information as well. You mention sticker shock...what would you consider "reasonable" as a price range?

Thank you both

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Re: Boosey & Hawkes 4-20

Author: Ursa
Date: 2012-01-22 08:46

The 4-20 should work fine with most mouthpieces. My 8-10 plays well in tune with the Selmer (Paris), Portnoy, Gennusa, Brilhart, Ridenour, and Yamaha mouthpieces I have on hand.

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Re: Boosey & Hawkes 4-20

Author: HJMagpie
Date: 2012-01-22 16:43

Thank you Ursa.

Ken - I did look at both url's that you posted for me. I appreciate the information.

I have a lot to learn...just about the differences in the mouthpieces based on what I read on both websites.

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