Matched Pair of Boosey & Hawkes 1010 Clarinet, Whittaker Collection
Clarinets Direct is fortunate to count many of the world's finest players amongst our clientele, one such is the eminent Prudence Whittaker, who came from a family of famous British wind instrumentalists. This matched pair of Boosey & Hakes Symphony Imperial 1010s clarinets are in very good condition, and are a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. It was this pair that Pru Whittaker had selected for her by the famous Brian Manton-Myatt, who had designed the 926 and 1010 clarinets for B&H. This pair were bought new in 1963, and were used through the majority of her career. Clarinets Direct will be listing further clarinets from the Whittaker collection in the next few days. It is important to note that, in common with many top professional players, Pru had much after market work done, "including undercutting the tone holes and adding shellac in one or two tone holes" to improve intonation. Therefore all her instruments demonstrate exemplary intonation and are superior to standard production examples.
The Bb has matching serial nos. 244855 and has Silver plate in good condition. The wood does show numerous surface marks and scratches but there are no cracks or repairs. All pads are tan leather in good condition. Pru was careful in the maintenance of her instruments, and despite much use, the condition reflects this fact.
The A has matching serial nos. 250656. The Silver plate and wood are good, and, like the Bb, the pads are used tan leather in fine condition. This only are 4 barrel of 62.5mm. The m'piece is a B&H No. 3, in good used condition. The case is the original well used B&H. In summation these are an outstanding set of B&H 1010s, well above average in terms of response and intonation. Veterans of numerous performances and recordings, including the first performance of Sebastian Forbes Concerto for Clarinet, with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.