Matched Pair of Boosey & Hawkes 1010 Clarinets, 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. This particular pair were the last pair of 1010s that Pru selected, and date to 1980. 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. 509641 and has Silver plate in very good condition. The wood is also in very fine condition, with no cracks or damage. All pads are tan leather in good condition. Pru was careful in the maintenance of her instruments, and despite use, the condition reflects this fact.
The A has matching serial nos. 507571. The Silver plate and wood are excellent, and, like the Bb, the pads are used tan leather in fine condition. These instruments both feature the later, 2nd generation, Acton vent. There are 2 m'pieces, a B&H No. 2, in good used condition, and an Ackerman copy, both have Pru's preferred lay, which is moderately open and long. The case is the original 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