Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2009-02-19 19:21
Can anyone tell me anything about the Boosey & Hawkes Special model clarinet? I bought one cheap at a local "get rid of it" auction last night. This is a Bb grenadilla clarinet with the model name "Special" and (smaller) "Made in England" in block sans-serif letters on the top section, above the A/Ab crossover keys. The serial number, on both sections, dates the clarinet to late 1951 or early 1952. Standard Boehm keywork, 6 rings, 17 keys. The keys are cast, not forged.
There's lots of info online about Boosey & Hawkes, the pro-quality Imperial and Emperor (1010) clarinets and the student-quality Edgeware and Regent, but I haven't been able to find a thing about the Special. It needs new corks and pads before I can try it out. Any information much appreciated!
The only mouthpiece in the case is an after-market hard rubber Noblet that seems to be a lot newer than the clarinet. (There are no tooth scars and the mouthpiece cork looks fresh, whereas the clarinet corks and pads are all extremely deteriorated and the key touches show plate wear.) The case appears to be about the same age as the clarinet, but it has no manufacturer's logo. The case is wood, contoured, small, with good brass "Presto" latches and key, matte black Keratol covering in an alligator hide pattern and an amusingly hideous, shiny, orange fake fur lining. The mouthpiece and reeds had not been kept clean and the case and instrument smell bad, but otherwise there's no damage except the potential for cracking later because someone has glued the metal tenon rings to the wood.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
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