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- Pair of Schmidt Mannheim Schmidt Reform Boehm Clarinets
Pair of Schmidt Mannheim Schmidt Reform Boehm Clarinets
These ultra rare pair of Schmidt Mannheim, Schmidt Reform Boehm clarinets are a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. It was the renowned clarinettist Ernst Schmidt who was responsible for redesigns of both the Oehler system, [ Schmidt-Kolbe, along with the make Louis Kolbe], and the Boehm system [Schmidt Reform Boehm along with Rosch in 1935]. Unlike many modern manufacturers who claim to make a Schmidt Reform Boehm, these clarinets are the genuine and superb article. The firm of Schmidt Mannheim was active in the first half of the 20th Century.
These instruments feature: A booster mechanism for throat Bb. An additional vent for the D/A twelfth, working off the LH 3rd ring. An additional vent for RH middle finger B/F#, a much neater system than the B&H 1010 Acton Vent. A hole in the bell to improve low E/B.
The pair are in Grenadilla wood, with bells and 3 barrels in ebonite. The Bb has had more use than the A, and it is likely that the original Maillechort key work was re-plated in Silver post manufacture, there is some slight "pitting" to the plating. The guide for the LH f#/c# key is loose, and we will attend to this in our workshop, the instruments were photographed prior to being sent down to our workshop for minor regulation and re-corking. The clarinet has excellent condition white leather pads, and the wood is in fine shape throughout with no cracks or damage, apart from a tight hairline crack to the upper part of the lower joint tenon, which is sleeved in metal. Therefore the crack does not enter the bore or affect the response in any way. The middle tenon of the Bb has also been given a metal tenon ring, presumably because of natural wear. The supplied barrel is in Grenadilla, of 62mm.
The A has original German Silver key work, and no damage to the wood. Again the pads are all excellent condition white leather. The guide for the LH f#/c# key is missing and the screw holes have been plugged in metal. The instrument comes with a Grenadilla barrel of 56mm and 3 ebonite barrels of 57, 58 & 60mm. The m'pieces, which are original, are of a huge 16.0mm bore, which in part accounts for the incredible warmth and power of these clarinets.
These instruments would make a valuable addition for any serious collector, or would suit a player seeking to emulate the famous Bernard Walton tone. A copy of the original sales invoice is included which lists the price at 2,229 Deutsches Marks in December 1950. As a rough guide, with low German inflation, they would list today for approximately 6,500 Euros. The date of this invoice makes this one of the last pairs of Schmidt Mannheim Schmidt Reform Boehms.