Matched Triple Set of Triebert Plateau Clarinets
A triple matched set of clarinets by Triebert, which are a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. These are superb and ultra rare plateau Boehm system clarinets. At one time Triebert were considered to make the Worlds' finest oboes, but they also had a long and distinguished history of clarinet manufacture. In 1849 they patented a "clarinette multiphonique" which was a combination clarinet in the keys of A/Bb/C. By the end of the 19th Century they had been taken over by Couesnon. This pair have a truly remarkable provenance: Having been owned and played professionally by a player who was a dance band member here in London. All three are in their original cases and were bought from Alex Burns Ltd. 132 Shaftesbury Ave. London.
The design of the instruments is superb. The tone holes have been enlarged, so that there is none of the "stuffiness" which can be found on some other plateau makes. The large tone hole size is very reminiscent of a Selmer plateau C which was sold by ourselves some years ago: That was a similarly free blowing instrument.
The C, S/N C 2213 LP has a slight "patina" to the German Silver key work which is commensurate with its' age. The Grenadilla wood throughout is in excellent condition with no cracks or repairs. This clarinet features "mother of pearl" touchpieces on the ring keys, and these are all in excellent condition. The instrument has just had a complete re-pad in Pisoni finest fish skin pads in our workshop, and is sold with our full 1 year warranty. There are 2 supplied barrels, a Triebert in wood, and also a "Besson" "Rolio" model which is made of ebonite, it is telescopically adjustable, and metal sleeved. The sleeve extends into the top of the upper joint, in a manner similar to a 1930s Selmer Radio Improved clarinet.
The Bb, S/N 2060 Bb LP has seen more use, predictably, than the other two clarinets. Like them this clarinet features "mother of pearl" touchpieces on the ring keys, and these are all in excellent condition. The instrument has just had a complete re-pad in Pisoni finest fish skin pads in our workshop, and is sold with our full 1 year warranty. There is one old, repaired, pinned crack to the top of the upper joint underneath the register key, it is stable, and it has absolutely no effect on the usability and response of this instrument. It does not go through to the bore. The German Silver key work does show evidence of much use with some tarnish.
The instrument comes with a new Pillinger copy of a "Benny Goodman" signature Selmer m'piece of outstanding quality. The m'piece as a tip opening of 1.24mm and a long lay, it tunes all 3 clarinets well. There is a Triebert wooden barrel, which this instrumnet shares with the A, and also an ebonite barrel.
The A, S/N 2062 A LP, has had significantly less use than the Bb and is in exemplary condition for its age. The Grenadilla wood throughout is in excellent condition with no cracks or repairs. This clarinet features "mother of pearl" touchpieces on the ring keys, and these are all in excellent condition. The instrument has just had a complete re-pad in Pisoni finest fish skin pads in our workshop, and is sold with our full 1 year warranty. There are 2 supplied barrels, a Triebert in wood, and also a "Besson" "Rolio" model which is made of ebonite, it is telescopically adjustable, and metal sleeved. the A also comes with an original Triebert m'piece, which plays on all 3 clarinets.
From the look and style of key work, and the fact that all are stamped LP,i.e. A=440, these clarinets were probably made in the late 1920's or early 1930's. The original cases show wear but are functional, the handle on the Bb case is reduced to bare metal, the leather cover having worn off. In summation these are a unique set of clarinets, possibly the only ones of their type available worldwide today. They are completely usable as working instruments for a player needing a plateau set, or would be of great interest to a collector.