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