Here's a fantastic instrument. I picked this up locally from someone who's father played it a lot. It was in pretty good shape, well looked after, but did have a repaired crack through the barrel and a bell crack as well.
I did a clean/oil/adjust service on the instrument, replacing a few pads along the way. The repaired barrel crack was still leaking slightly so I had to fill that in too.
I was excited to give this a play, and WOW! I'd have to say this was one of the nicest old Bb Albert's I've every played! And that is saying a alot as I've worked on/played many many old Albert clarinets.
Apparently Frank Holton contracted with Auguste Buffet to make clarinets for them, see the bell.
Auguste Buffet was a relative of the "other", more famous Buffet of the Buffet Crampon firm.
These aren't as well known, and the only other one I've had was a later Boehm system clarinet that was just "so-so".
This clarinet was very well made and is just a joy to play. It stacks up to ANY old Albert, including those from Buffet Crampon and Selmer...........so keep your eyes peeled for these, they're gems.
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