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 Alphonse Picou's Clarinet
Author: Tony F 
Date:   2012-09-29 16:01

I was watching some Youtube clips of Alphonse Picou, and was a bit puzzled as to the nature of the instrument he plays. It appeared in the very poor quality video to be an Albert system instrument, probably Bb, with an upturned bell, a bit like a base clarinet. Can anybody throw some light on this?

Tony F.

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 Re: Alphonse Picou's Clarinet
Author: Ken Shaw 2017
Date:   2012-09-29 16:30

It was called a Saxonette, which was a standard Albert system clarinet with and angled metal barrel and a metal upturned bell. See https://www.google.com/search?um=1&hl=en&newwindow=1&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&q=saxonette+instrument&revid=847933000&sa=X&ei=1x5nUNXnCcfs0gG2mIGwBA&ved=0CEQQgxY&biw=1540&bih=798.

The one Picou used in the first YouTube video had a wood barrel, and, though as you say the film is not clear, it appeared to have no rings on the upper joint.

Charlie Ponte had one on display at his 48th Street music store, but it wasn't in playable condition. What notes I could get out of it sounded very bad. However, my mouthpiece and embouchure were set up for a small-bore French clarinet, and it leaked so badly I couldn't give it a fair trial. Picou certainly sounded good on the clip.

Ken Shaw

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 Re: Alphonse Picou's Clarinet
Author: Tony F 
Date:   2012-09-30 14:00

Many thanks for the response. It's the first time I've come across one.
Tony F.

Tony F.

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 Re: Alphonse Picou's Clarinet
Author: Eric V 
Date:   2012-10-01 04:45

Have a Google at "Tom Sharpsteen" and see if that's the same instrument you are thinking of. He played New Orleans style in the Sacramento CA area some years ago where I subbed for him occasionally. I thought his was in the key of C but not sure.

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 Re: Alphonse Picou's Clarinet
Author: Tony F 
Date:   2012-10-01 06:45

Hi Eric,
That looks very much like Alphonse Picou's instrument, and Wiki tells be that it was indeed in the key of C. I note that Tom Sharpsteen passed away on Jan.3rd, 2007.

Tony F.

Tony F.

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 Re: Alphonse Picou's Clarinet
Author: chris moffatt 
Date:   2012-10-01 12:10

FWIW; Picou's instrument is pitched in concert Bflat (aka 'C'). You can see from his fingering of parts of the solo that he is playing in Eflat (F) which is what this section of 'high society' is played in - and Picou should know!

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