Matched Pair of Louis Clarinets
These are a rare and fine pair of Louis & Co. early English clarinets, which are a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. The firm was strongly associated with possibly the finest ever French makers: Martel Freres. Each Louis instrument was completely hand made and undercut in their London premises, 2 Burnsall Street, Chelsea W3. The finishing alone took 2-3 days. Charles Draper personally endorsed these makers, and both instruments are stamped such. The perfect uninhibited open response, and excellent tuning make for a true "players clarinet" which is a physical delight to blow, superior to much on the mass produced market today. The last owner was based in York, and these instruments have come to us for a complete restoration prior to sale.
These instruments are in very good condition, for clarinets made in the 1920's. The Grenadilla wood is in very good condition, with only scuffs and marks associated with careful use, mainly to the Bb clarinet. There is no joint wobble. The Silver plated key work shows only slight wear and the key work is in fine order. The Bb has matching S/N 150. Both instruments have just been entirely re-padded in premium white leather, with all touch and tenon corks replaced. They are sold with our full 1 year warranty The A clarinet has matching S/N M121. There are 2 original barrels labelled Bb and A, but in fact the A barrel tunes both instruments well, the bores of Bb and A are identical. There is also a Pillinger copy of a Louis m'piece, with a DOV 121 facing, in excellent condition. The case is a used B&H in fair condition.