Ok so I usually highlight really neat old vintage instruments here but sometimes I like to highlight decent lower end instruments that come through. This Martin Freres Lamonte Bb clarinet is still vintage as it was likely made in the 50s or so, but it is certainly a student instrument. I have a few of these that were literally given to me or traded for next to nothing. Looking online you won't find much positive info on these other than they were low end student models.
I was not expecting much. Luckily the wood was crack free and most of the pads were ok, so I stripped it down and oiled the bore and body. I think I ended up replacing one pad and some missing key cork, made some adjustments, the usual. I could tell by working on it that the keywork was fairly crude, not a lot of time or effort was put in on this instrument.
However, when I play tested I was pleasantly surprised! Yes because of the keywork it is a little clunky to get around on, but the tone was not half bad! Certainly I feel like this instrument is still low end and suitable for someones first wood clarinet or a returning adult..........but its not terrible by any means. Maybe I got one of the decent ones, who knows. I'll find out soon as I work through the pile, I think there are two more in the basement!
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