Gautrot Aine, Plateau B Flat Clarinet
This is a fine Gautrot Aine, Paris, wooden plateau or "covered hole" Bb clarinet. From the style of key work this Grenadilla wood instrument was probably made in the 1930s. The bell is in Cocus wood to add extra projection to the bell notes, and again this would suggest a 1930s date of manufacture, as do the "pearl" touch pieces. The German Silver key work does show wear and some scratches. The wood is in overall good condition, apart from surface marks. The pads are a mixture of old an new fish skin, all are sealing well. The original barrel is only of 61mm, so a custom made, ebonite sleeved barrel of 66mm is supplied, and this tunes the instrument much more successfully. It plays well across the range at A=440Hz with a modern standard French bore m'piece, a Yamaha 4C is included. This is a chance for someone to purchase a clarinet specifically designed for the younger player, doubler or even the arthritic player who may have difficulty covering the standard open-tone-hole. There are very few quality French made wooden plateau Bb clarinets at this price point.