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Re: Martin Freres Lamonte

Author: Ursa
Date: 2021-06-01 21:32

In the market for an E-flat clarinet last year, a trusted dealer recommended an vintage Martin Freres Model 1Eb to me. With some trepidation, I bought the instrument. They carefully overhauled it to my specifications.

As it turns out, it's an absolutely delightful clarinet with beautiful tone, even response, nice build quality, good ergonomics, and impeccable tuning. What's not to like?

While the LaMonte was the entry-level model, it wouldn't surprise me if it turned out to be a keeper.

The main fault I see with some vintage Martin Freres clarinets is pitted, porous and/or flaking nickel plating. This is a problem that affected many builders when bright nickel-plated keywork replaced traditional solid Maillechort keys industry-wide in the 1950s. It's easy enough to find Martin Freres instruments with good plating.

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