SOLD Paul Gerard E Flat Clarinet
This is a very rare, Paul Gerard Eb Clarinet, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. Paul Gerard was actually a clarinet dealer in Paris, and it is likely that this instrument was made by a manufacturer and then stencilled. Thibouville Freres were one good quality French maker who offered this service to other dealers and makers, it could possibly have come from that factory. The clarinet is of fine manufacture, with excellent German Silver keywork throughout. The wood, which is unstained Grenadilla, shows no cracks or damage, it is in very fine condition throughout with only slight scuffs. The fish skin pads are only lightly used and will be good for many months to come. The S/N are 345. From the look of the keywork, the instrument probably dates to the 1950s, or early 1960s. The m'piece is stamped N4 France, and could be a Riffault. This Eb plays extremely well, and with nice tone and intonation. It could well suit a player on a budget, looking for a fine French made wooden Eb at a bargain price. The original case is much used, but comes with the key.