Jacques Albert Fils B Flat Clarinet
A very fine Boehm system clarinet made by the last maker of the legendary Albert family. These makers were so successful that their name became synonymous with the finest Simple System clarinets in most of the English speaking world. Jacques Fils was recognised as one of the outstanding makers of Boehm system clarinets in the 1930's, and he also produced several experimental designs, including the Degrez system, and a dual function speaker key Boehm clarinet. This instrument is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct, having been owned by a British professional player, who bought it in 1964 and used it throughout his career.
The German Silver keywork is good, very solid, and with a natural patina associated with its age. The wood is in amazing condition for a pre-WW2 clarinet, with no cracks or repairs, only light surface marks. The supplied barrel is a Selmer Series 10 barrel, which the owner found tuned the clarinet very well. The fish skin pads are used, but sealing well, the instrument has been regularly serviced and carefully maintained. This instrument was made probably in the 1930's and the clarinet is stamped "Made in Belgium". The supplied m'piece is a stock Buffet & the case is a Yamaha in good condition.