Matched Pair of J A Fils Clarinets
A rare and superb matched pair of Jacques Albert Fils clarinets. Jacques Albert Fils was the last, and most successful member of the legendary Albert family of makers, considered the finest makers in the World during the inter-war years. He made the move to London in the 1930s, though sadly the advent of WW 2 forced him into bankruptcy in 1939. J A Fils made an outstanding range of clarinets with advanced mechanisms including the Degrez system. His family name became synonymous with simple system clarinet in the English speaking world, as their 13 key clarinets were considered the finest available.
These instruments demonstrate outstanding intonation and fullness of tone throughout the entire range, at 14.85mm bore they are of medium size. There sole owner is a now retired London v=based professional who used them through the entirety of a long and successful career as a saxophonist an clarinettist. The Bb is in excellent condition throughout with no cracks or repairs, all pads are tan leather in excellent condition. We have just had both instruments through our workshop, with regulation and corks attended to. In addition a full length crack to the shorter barrel has been filled and sealed. The German Silver key work is excellent throughout with no damage or wear.
The A does have a tight surface crack to the upper joint see photo 5. It does not go through to the bore, indeed it does not appear to go into the upper tenon either. Like the Bb the German Silver keywork and tan leather pads are in excellent condition. In addition to the original 2 barrels, 59.5mm and 61mm, of which the shorter has cracked, a Selmer Console barrel of 67mm is also provided. There are two original m'pieces, an Albert which does project 2mm from the original barrels, & a Jack Heyworth. Both clarinets have the same serial number, 80, however this could be a model number. In addition to the original leather case, a modern Buffet double, with replaced handle, and key, is also provided.