J Albert Fils, A Clarinet
A rare and superb Jacques Albert Fils A clarinet. 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.
This instrument demonstrates outstanding intonation and fullness of tone throughout the entire range, at 14.85mm bore it is of of medium size.
This A has Grenadilla wood is in fine condition, with no cracks or damage, indeed the wood grain is so tight that it almost appears to the untrained eye that this is an ebonite clarinet. The German Silver keywork and tan leather pads are in excellent condition, as it has just been fully overhauled. The matching serial nos. are 1164 and this clarinet can be confidently dated to pre 1930 as J A Fils made the move to London in 1930, and this instrument is stamped "Bruxelles". The A comes in a period Selmer case and tunes well with a modern French bore m'piece, i.e. Vandoren or similar. It would suit a player on a budget looking for a fine professional model at a bargain price to pair with any modern French bore Bb.