During a time in instrument manufacturing history, when clarinets were being widely produced for the Big Band Jazz sound, Martin Freres Woodwinds continued focusing their manufacturing efforts on superior quality Grenadilla Wood Bb clarinets for the Symphonic enthusiast. Just after World War II, Martin Freres released a well-fine-tuned instrument for experienced clarinetists engraved, ‘Martin Freres Paris Model 1740 Deluxe.’ Today, over 75 years since its debut, the instrument is still performing for artists and collectors around the globe.
The 1740 Deluxe did not follow the mainstream clarinet construction techniques of the era, known as the large-bore clarinet (15.0mm and larger) made popular by such manufacturers as Conn, Selmer, Boosey & Hawkes, and Penzel Mueller. Rather, Martin Freres manufactured the 1740 Deluxe using a small 14.5mm bore, which was embraced by clarinetists throughout the world for playing classical pieces.
The 1740 Deluxe features outstanding intonation and key action throughout the registers, as well as the throat tones, making it an ideal example of a mid 20th century professional clarinet.
The Martin Freres 1740 Deluxe was manufactured in Paris, France from 1945 until the 1960s. Originally crafted to play to 19th-century tuning (A = 442 Hz), clarinet barrels are readily available to transform the 1740 Deluxe tuning to the modern A = 440 Hz; fitted to mouthpieces with tenons measuring 22.0mm – 22.6mm.
Acoustically, the 1740 Deluxe boasts an underlying whisper (silvery overtones) to complement its bright, rich tone and reaching projection. Players can easily blend with the full cast of instruments or stand out in solo performances for virtually any venue.
The 1740 Deluxe has become a rare find. Catch one if you can!
Dimensions:
Barrel:
Top Receiver ID: 22.25mm; Tenon Receiver Depth: 17.30mm; Center Bore: 14.50mm
Bottom Receiver ID: 22.85mm; Tenon Receiver Depth: 20.30mm; Center Bore: 14.50mm
Bore Style: Straight
Length: 64mm
Upper Joint:
Top Tenon OD: 22.7mm; Tenon Height: 19.9mm; Center Bore: 14.50mm
Bottom Tenon OD: 21.9mm; Tenon Height: 16.3mm; Center Bore: 14.69mm
Lower Joint:
Top Receiver ID: 21.2mm; Tenon Receiver Depth: 15.7mm; Center Bore: 14.77mm
Bottom Tenon OD: 27.2mm; Tenon Height: 19.8mm; Center Bore: 21.9mm
Bell:
Top Receiver ID: 26.8mm; Tenon Receiver Depth 19.8mm; Length: 105.3mm