[Bernards20040]

My teacher has just given me a Clarinet and the markings are a fluer de lys with the words Le fleur (could be La fleur) and London Paris New York underneath on the barrel and bell.
it is made of wood (Blackwood?) and appears to have nickel keys as they are a dull grey in colour. has anyone heard of these. (I did use the search button).it has a metal band on the bottom of the bell and on all the joints
My teacher has had it for over 20 years.

Also what mouthpiece and reed would you recommend for a clarinet beginner.
I play a MeYer 5M with a Legere studio cut 2 1/4 reed (about a 3 in Rico) on my alto sax

Thanking you for your replies in advance

 

[tictactux]

My teacher has just given me a Clarinet and the markings are a fluer de lys with the words Le fleur (Not La fleur) and London Paris New York underneath.

Funny, this very day there has been a discusson re "Le Fleur" or "La Fleur" etc on the Clarinet BBoard: http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=254957&t=254957
I don't know if this clarifies a lot, however. But Chris Peryagh appears to know more.

Also what mouthpiece and reed would you recommend for a clarinet beginner.

I can - from own experience - recommend Fobes Debut or Hite Premiere. Neither is very expensive (18..30$) and both are really really good.
For some reason I never much liked Rico (Royal) nor Vandoren (Blue), but prefer Mitchell Lurie.

 

[Bernards20040]

tictactux.
thanks for the reply and link.
It seems that Dave R's and mine are identical, So it might be a Bossey and hawks Edgeware ! How do these compare?

 

[Benny]

My first clarinet was a LaFleur- wooden with an articulated G#, solid silver keys and a suprisingly good sound (for what is was).
I believe these came out of eastern europe. They don't have a great reputation, but if its free or cheap, can be ok.

 

[Bernards20040]

Ok
I have had another really good look at it.
the keys are not Nickel they are Silver or silver plated.
It is also marked "made in France" i didn't see that at first it is on the body just beneath the top tenon.
the serial No is D697 this is marked on both parts of the body.
It may be a Malerne
I will try and post some Pics on Monday (Its Friday Today)

 

[Bernards20040]

Pics as promised

 

[Gordon (NZ)]

Are you sure the keys are not un-plated cupronickel?

 

[Bernards20040]

Are you sure the keys are not un-plated cupronickel?

I have no idea how to tell.
But i know what you are saying they don't have the colour of tarnished silver.
I have tried polishing them (since taking the Photos) and they have shined up a lot, not so grey looking. I have used Silvo

 

[Gordon (NZ)]

If they are unplated cupronickel, then Brasso will probably be more successful.

 

[Bernards20040]

If they are unplated cupronickel, then Brasso will probably be more successful.

Thanks Gordon I will give it a try.

Do you have any ideas on the origin of this horn?