 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-11-09 09:24
I won an auction for an Alexandre Paris clarinet. I haven't received it yet, and what research I've done seems to indicate it could be a decent instrument.
Does anyone have any first-hand opinions on this make?
It is the latest addition to my collection..
Normandy 4
Normandy 7
Normandy 11
Evette Sponsored by Buffet
Evette Master Model
Vintage Bundy..
Yamaha YCL-52
Yamaha YCL-24
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2016-11-09 19:28
My very first A clarinet (bought c 1956) was an Alexandre, obviously pre-war
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I purchased it from my 1st clarinet in Warwickshire Symphony who had just inherited a Buffet A from a local Pro who had just retired.
During major concerts my 1st had always borrowed the Buffet from this Pro and I borrowed the Alexandre from him - so he obviously wasn't highly impressed with it.
The Alexandre always seemed fine to me, however probably anything would after spending some years transposing all the A parts on Bb.
ps. the first piano concerto I ever performed in was Mozart No 23 in A Major.
I was 1st clarinet and played it on the Bb. - Not funny.
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Author: sonicbang
Date: 2016-11-10 18:53
As far as I know they are big bore clarinets comparing to modern standards. Check it for tuning issues first. From what I heard Alexandre is maybe a Selmer stencil, but I have no evidence to prove this. Their mouthpieces wich came with the clarinets has good ruber but the interiors are just too big.
Mark
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-11-10 22:45
Norman -
Currently playing the 1st clarinet on that Mozart Piano Concerto 23, K488. Yeah, I would definitely say not funny on a Bb! But quite beautiful as a piece, with a lovely A part.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-11-12 21:51
So the Alexandre Paris arrived today. Amazingly it has no leaks, but the pads are old and will be replaced. Same with the corks. The only other issue is some sticking keys and such but nothing I can't deal with.
It had a Woodwind Co. Steel Ebonite G7 MP with it. Are these any good?
I couldn't help but try it out; the D is playing as an Eb but I' guessing that is due to the stuck / sticking keys. Other than that, it sounds really nice and dark. Used my B45 MP / Vandoren 56 3
The clarinet needs restoration but I think it will be a keeper when it's done.
I'm always amazed at how even the old, dusty, vintage horns still come to life
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Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-11-15 00:00
Just a quick update; the tone issue was in fact due to sticking keys. They are still sticking, but at least I figured out what one was the biggest issue.
It's getting a full overhaul in any case.
I have 2 more I'm bidding on.. I'm sick really..
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