Many thanks to Marvin Schurman for giving me the opportunity to review this interesting clarinet. This clarinet is so very similar to BBrandha’s Jean Marbeau clarinet. I think that the Marbeau was made some years before the J. Robert. I am thinking that both were made by Thibouville. Serial #9320 Barrel: 68 mm Bore LH joint top: 14.5 mm Bore LH joint at bottom: 14.5 mm Intonation results taken when playing loud and not lipping. See how to interpret these results on the Model Comparison Page. The original barrel made me too flat. I am using a 65.8 Jean Marbeau barrel instead. For this test, I pulled .8 mm at the barrel and 1 mm at the center tenon.
Intonation summary: This is truly incredible! A hole in the bell might help. Sharpness in the throat tones can be overcome with resonance fingerings. With a little tweaking and wise playing, this is capable of pro-level intonation— even by today’s standards. Key work quality: OK. Good for this period. This clarinet is most appropriate for: Anyone wanting a neat antique instrument. Condition issues noted: none |