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- Hawkes, Excelsior Sonorous, B Natural Clarinet
Hawkes, Excelsior Sonorous, B Natural Clarinet
An ultra rare Hawkes Excelsior Sonorous Soprano Clarinet in the key of B Natural, so rare in fact, that this may possibly be the only example in existence. These B natural instruments are so unusual that Clarinets Direct have handled only 4 in nearly 20 years of business, all of which were made by Buffet. The wood shows some surface scratches and scuffs, and there is a full length crack to the bell, but for an instrument which is probably over 100 years old the wood is in good condition. We have just completely overhauled the clarinet in finest Pisoni tan leather pads and the instrument is sold with our full 1 year warranty. All pieces are matching and original, including a wooden m'piece. The tuning is outstanding and excellent at A=440 Hz with the original m'piece: Indeed it is true to state that the tuning of this B natural is superior to the Buffets that we have previously seen. The serial number is very hard to decipher, it could be IHM 1751 05, which could date to the 1920s. However the "Hawkes & Son Denman Street" stamp can only be accurately dated to 1985-1930. This would match the style of German Silver keywork, and the Excelsior Sonorous stamps. The case is in fair condition, with an interior locking compartment. This instrument is perfectly usable but could also perhaps appeal to a collector