 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Soopy
Date: 2018-08-29 00:13
I have just joined the forum. I always wanted to play the clarinet and did have a few lessons, about 40 years ago!
So when I saw one, which appears to be complete, in a nice looking case at the local vide grenier, I am in France, I bought it.
It is marked on each section with a stamp A Robert, Paris. It needs new pads and a spring is broken but otherwise looks good.
How do I find out which key it is in, A or Bb?
I am intending to replace the pads but will need help with the spring.
Does anyone have any advice for me? I understand these are fairly rare and I would not like to do anything wrong to it.
Thanks
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Author: Ken Lagace
Date: 2018-08-29 00:20
A photo and measurements would be helpful. A Bb is about 26 inches with mouthpiece and the A about 27.
Welcome aboard!
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2018-08-29 16:49
I had an A. Robert Bb which I sold a few years ago. It played and tuned surprisingly well, and I now regret that I sold it. The current owner still plays it, and if he ever decides to part with it then I have first refusal on it.
Mine had an interesting history. I bought it from the estate of a doctor in Albany, Western Australia. He went to France during WW1 as a medical officer with the Australian forces and bought the instrument back with him. He again went to Europe as a medical officer during WW2 and came back with another A. Robert Bb. He was an enthusiastic amateur orchestral player and continued to play well into his 90's. I had the first instrument that he brought back, and the whereabouts of the second one is unknown. He was a generous man and may have given it to a student. A. Robert clarinets were made at Chateau-Thierry from around 1900 to around 1925. They are fine instruments and play well when properly set up.
Tony F.
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