Author: Wichitaband
Date: 2017-12-22 19:58
Having been employed by Wichita Band Instrument Co. since 1961, I've seen and repaired a number of A. Robert instruments. I believe we've had six of their flutes, all of very high quality. Robert took over Claude Rive's shop in 1895; Leroy bought, so it seems, the workshop in 1924. Rive trained with Godfroy (Vincent Hypolite, we assume), which means he worked for one of the finest flute makers of the last quarter of the 19th. century.
As for clarinets bearing the A. Robert stamp, I recall only a handful that have been in our shop. Vance Jennings had (perhaps still has...) a beautiful Robert Bb that he obtained, as I recall, from Rudy Wiedoeft student Raymond McCollister. Beautiful workmanship, a unique left-hand Eb / Ab mounted on the same rod with the LH F/C.
There's a Robert Bb now in Wichita that's the property of a retired pharmacist. He has documentation from the original owner, who purchased it in Paris in 1919. Ebony, not granadilla.. We padded it recently, were impressed with the workmanship. Slightly lower in pitch (A = 435 ?) than a modern clarinet, which makes it perfect for our local Shrine Band.
And now we have a fine A. Robert clarinet, key of A, in our shop. Unplated nickel keywork, serial #1149, very dense and dark wood, perhaps ebony. No adjusting screw for G#, single post for LH F#/C# and E/B. Pitch a shade low also. C# / G# tone-hole not cut, a la twenties Buffet-Crampon models. Flat spring for RH F# / C#.
In spite of the above old-style keywork and slightly low pitch, the clarinet plays very well indeed. Bore is inverse conical (top joint), slightly wider than a modern R-13A.
I recall seeing a pricelist from Carl Fischer Musical, decades ago, showing clarinets available that were stamped with the Robert name. But I do not remember ever seeing one. Perhaps "stencils" from Malerne? Don't know!
And I seem to remember hearing that Stan Hasty used a set of Roberts, back many decades ago.
All of which means I would very much appreciate any info that might be out there in arcane-clarinet-land.
The instrument we now have is a fine clarinet, should be in the hands of a good amateur player. It's now in the shop being cleaned up and padded.
Best regards, Gary L. Ray / Wichita Band Instrument Company
Gary L. Ray
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The Clarinet BBoard
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