The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Unknown Albert system clarinet

Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-05-29 06:22

A while back I bought a well-used low pitch Albert system clarinet from EBay. It looked to be in good shape and only cost pocket change and I couldn't resist a bargain. I put it in my "Gunna' box", where it sat until last week.

I found it during a cleanup and decided to have a closer look. The wood is of a quality and density rarely seen today, the keywork is sound and very well fitted and finished unplated nickel silver and I cannot find a makers mark or serial number anywhere on it. Marking on the case indicate that it was originally from a W. Hampe from Amsterdam, presumably a music retailer. It cleaned up very well and somewhat to my surprise plays and tunes quite well with a Vd B45. The bell notes are a little sharp. As for tone, it is probably one of the best-sounding instruments in my small collection.

I had not played an Albert system for probably 50 years, but the muscle memory was still there and it came back after half an hour of playing. I still find the tone hole spacing a bit odd, but it's getting easier with time.

I have attached some photos, would anyone like to hazard a guess as to the possible origins of this instrument.

Tony F.

Post Edited (2016-05-29 06:30)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics