 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: andrea
Date: 2001-12-17 17:53
I'm considering buying this horn for my son, a high level player with a preference for older intruments. Is this one that stays in tune?
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Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2001-12-17 19:02
Instruments, if well-maintained (with the occasional repad or overhaul) don't 'go out of tune' if they started off in-tune. The instrument you're considering is a mid-level clarinet, not bad, but not the best by any means (I've restored two of them in the last couple of years). You might do well to consider other options, but having said that, if this particular clarinet plays well now, it should continue to do so to the same extent as any other brand or model.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2001-12-18 16:17
Couesnon made many clarinets marked only "A. Fontaine," and I have no experience at all with those. So this presumes the instrument is marked with the oval trademark reading both "Couesnon" and "A. Fontaine." I overhauled one of these several years ago for my own use. In agreement with David, it is *not* a true professional instrument. It is certainly much better than many clarinets, and I suggest its levels of quality and "playability" are roughly those of a Noblet. At the moment, mine is getting an oil treatment due to my having allowed it to dry out entirely too much, but it still plays rather well.
Partly because of the general prejudice in favor of clarinets built by Buffet, Selmer, Leblanc, and Yamaha, clarinets made by Couesnon do not generally claim prices that reflect their real value. Hence, one of these could be a buyer's bargain. If one such as you are considering could be guaranteed to play well and require no work, it might sell for $200 or so on ebay. In exceptional condition it could bring a bit more. Do remember that this is my opinion only, and prices are never easy to second-guess.
Regards,
John
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