 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: D.J.
Date: 1999-05-01 18:47
Good Afternoon!
I recently came into posession of an older, wooden clarinet produced by A. Fontaine of France. It appears to be in good to very good condition, although it could use a cleaning. I can see no damage, aside from slight ware on a few of the keyings. I must admit, I am not a Clarinet person by any stretch. I have already dedicated my heart to the saxophone. Would anyone be able to provide some background information on this piece? Preferably an approximate age and price. Thank you in advance for any assistance you may be able to offer.
D.J. Makosky
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 1999-05-01 20:04
A. Fontaine was a trademark for U.S. imported woodwind instruments. It was made in one of the many factories in France and stamped with that name. There's no way to find out which factory made which instrument.
That is not to say that it isn't a fine instrument; rather, there's no provenance available for it. The monetary value will be most probably on the low side since it's not a sought after instrument.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 1999-05-01 21:06
Mark has given you very good info. I believe that at least some of the Fontaine cl's were made by Cousenon of France, [I had one years ago and it was quite good [for me]]. Also, they make good saxes and mp's, perhaps Mark can add to this. Don
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Author: D.J.
Date: 1999-05-01 22:53
Actually, according to the stampings, this particular clarinet is marked Cousenon of France as well. Perhaps that may shed some more light...
D.J. Makosky
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 1999-05-02 00:31
D.J. wrote:
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Actually, according to the stampings, this particular clarinet is marked Cousenon of France as well. Perhaps that may shed some more light...
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You're lucky! Now at least you know that Couesenon manufactured this clarinet for resale as a "generic branded" clarinet, specifically for the US market.
On the brass instruments by Couesenon (Couesenon is very famous in the brass wind trade) the last 2 digits of the serial number indicate the year of manufacture; no mention is made of how they marked woodwinds. I believe Couesenon is still in business; you might have some luck if you can contact them.
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