 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2026-11-09 18:09
I purchased a Marigaux RS Symphonie in Bb about 10 years ago and immediately loved the instrument. It's quite different ergonomically from other clarinets, however, so I hesitated to make it my daily horn until I could find a matching clarinet in A.
Since they only made a few hundred of these fine instruments, and they stopped production of them 20 years ago, I had essentially given up hope that I'd ever find one and was considering selling the Bb. Lo and behold....the long-searched for A came up on eBay and I purchased it immediately. It's on its way to me now.
Has anyone else searched for this kind of "unicorn"? Did you abandon your Buffet R-13 pair once you found it? I'm interested in understanding if I'm the only crazy person that goes on these sorts of "quests."
Post Edited (2026-11-09 18:27)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2026-11-09 19:52
I saw an RS Symphonie A clarinet listed on eBay around 20 odd years ago, but felt it would've been better appreciated by someone with a Bb one looking for an A to complete the set.
Had they offered them with extra keywork, I'd have probably gone for them as I tried them back in the late '80s when Howarth still had their Brighton shop.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: ruben
Date: 2026-11-09 23:45
The Marigaux clarinet never really took off. Here in France, the top clarinetists were critical of it. I'd really like to try one out. Its tester, Roland Simoncini, was a great clarinetist.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2026-11-11 03:32
Chris P: Those of us with Bb Marigaux clarinets DEFINITELY appreciate your leaving it for us. They are very near impossible to find!
The lack of a LH Eb/Ab is a drawback, but I'm confident that I could have a tech create and install one for me if I decide I need it. The flat/roller keys make sliding incredibly easy though!
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2026-11-11 03:38
Ruben: I think that was the problem -- Marigaux clarinets simply didn't find their audience. With Selmer and Buffet there in France, I'm not surprised that they weren't embraced.
The instruments themselves I find to be wonderful -- beautifully in tune across the range, uniquely built, and some interesting ergonomic features/keywork. But they feel/are different than other clarinets, and it means a bit of a commitment to learn to play these instruments (which is why I felt strongly about acquiring the A before making the investment of time!)
If you get the opportunity to try one, don't miss it!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2026-11-11 04:39
Marigaux oboes on the other hand are the most popular oboes among European oboists, judging by how many different European orchestral oboists I've seen playing Marigaux oboes (901, 2001 and M2) at the BBC Proms over the past 20+ years.
In the UK, the top two most popular oboe makes are Howarth and Marigaux.
Marigaux (and Howarth) simply couldn't compete with Buffet when it came to clarinets, so both threw in the towel making clarinets because of Buffet, even though Malerne-Marigaux were once the other large volume clarinet maker and even made clarinets for Buffet (and Howarth and also for Selmer London).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
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Reply To Message
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2026-11-11 18:52
Buffet has very much cornered the clarinet market for the last 60+ years. I'm pleased to see Rossi, Backun and others creating high quality competition while Buffet prices rise -- but quality hasn't. Buffet is riding on its brand recognition (as it has for decades) while its private equity ownership raises prices.
FWIW, I originally bought the Marigaux because it was designed to be at the level of a Buffet Tosca, but could be purchased for much less. (It still can, despite the lack of availability)
Chris P wrote:
> Marigaux oboes on the other hand are the most popular oboes
> among European oboists, judging by how many different European
> orchestral oboists I've seen playing Marigaux oboes (901, 2001
> and M2) at the BBC Proms over the past 20+ years.
>
> In the UK, the top two most popular oboe makes are Howarth and
> Marigaux.
>
> Marigaux (and Howarth) simply couldn't compete with Buffet when
> it came to clarinets, so both threw in the towel making
> clarinets because of Buffet, even though Malerne-Marigaux were
> once the other large volume clarinet maker and even made
> clarinets for Buffet (and Howarth and also for Selmer London).
>
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