[Joolz65]

Hi, I have a couesnon clarinet that I am interested in selling. It belonged to my father who hasn't played for a long time but assures me that it was a good piece that played v. well.

Can anyone give me a ball park figure of how much you might get for a instrument that hasn't been restored?

 

[Roger Aldridge]

First, is it a Couesnon Monopole model? Second, please give the serial number. Sadly, it appears that there are no Couesnon serial number/year lists in existance....after the factory fire. However, I've been able to determine the exact year of one of my Couesnon clarinets and an approximate year range for the other. I might be able to arrive at a ball park date. This will be helpful in determining a possible value.

One thing to know up-front is Couesnon clarinets are sadly undervalued. I got my Couesnon Monopole clarinets for surprisingly cheap prices. It's my impression that many clarinetists do not know about Couesnon clarinets and how excellent they are. It's kind of like how vintage Buescher saxophones were undervalued for many years.

I agree with your father. Vintage Couesnon clarinets are superb. Whenever I take one of my Couesnons to my repair tech for an adjustment (which is not often) he raves about the quality of its wood and craftsmanship. Truly, a modern Buffet cannot come close to the quality of wood in a vintage Couesnon.

Roger

 

[Joolz65]

Thanks Roger.

It is, I believe a Monopole. I will see if I can find any other distinguishing marks.

 

[Roger Aldridge]

If it is a Monopole it will have the word in the Couesnon logo. The serial number will be on the back of the upper and lower joints. The later models (in the 70's) also have the serial number on the barrel and bell.

If you're able to take digital pictures of the clarinet it will be of great help to you in finding a buyer.

I already have 2 Monople clarinets myself; so, I probably will not be interested in buying the clarinet. However, I hope that there will be others on the Forum who will be interested. In a number of forum threads I've talked about how happy I am with my Couesnon Monopole clarinets and the high regard I have for them.

Roger

 

[opt12]

I'm looking for a clarinet actually.

how much are we talking about?