Many thanks to Vicky S. for giving me the opportunity to review TWo of these fine vintage clarinets. And as she lives about 20 minutes from the old Peate’s Music House, she also has supplied wonderful pictures and even a scanned document. See her information below! This is certainly a Thibouville product and therefore just as good as the René Dumont and the Jean Barre clarinets. Serial #455, banded on the LH joint, nickel keys Serial #561, wonderful condition and silver plated keys Barrel: 455: 64.0mm 561: 64.6mm Bore LH joint top: 455: 14.6mm 561: 14.8mm Bore LH joint at bottom: 455: 14.6mm 561: 14.8mm Intonation results taken when playing loud and not lipping. See how to interpret these results on the Model Comparison Page. 455: I used my Portnoi BP02 mouhpiece for this test, as it fit in the barrel better than my normal Chedeville Prime. 561: Used my Chedeville Prime. 455: For this test, I pulled 1.0mm at the barrel and 1.0mm at the center tenon.
Intonation summary: There are many professional models of this period that would not have such good intonation. These clarinets can be played in tune. The flatness in the mid register is not excessive except for the 455’s F. The flatness there allows the Chalumeau to be rather well in tune for both instruments. The upper register sharpness can be lipped down. Key work quality: Lovely wide and comfortable rings. The 651 has silver plated keys. Both have great quality keys for this period. (Which is not as good as the more recent Noblet/Leblanc gold standard.) This clarinet is most appropriate for: Anyone who wants a fine vintage clarinet. Condition issues noted: The 455 was banded, but I cannot see where the crack was. Information from Vicky, who works for the New York State School for the Deaf.
Older information from Jack Ian Mayer: This information is courtesy of repair tech and clarinetpages member Jack Ian Mayer. I
just acquired a Thibouville in stencil clothing. The oval stamp is
showing Peate's Utica NY. Lots of Made in France ID Your pictures have
me convinced of the maker's ID. The matching digits are 403 with
the lower “joint” showing a partial over struck 3 by 8. Like several other American names on the list, Peate's, I feel certain, was the name of a local music store.Update from Jack: Curiously enough I just came across another Peate's Utica NY item. Although not a woodwind, this Bohland Fuchs "Artist" model cornet stencil is quite the, at least, intermediate level horn. If you wish to see it Google : Bohland Fuchs Artist. |