When it comes to pursuing a career in music, the possibilities are as diverse as the instruments themselves. One such instrument that has captivated audiences for centuries is the clarinet. A young person considering studying the clarinet may wonder about the career possibilities and the probabilities of success that lie ahead. Let's delve into this fascinating world to shed some light on the subject. ...
From Karmin: ...
I wonder if you are able, please, to give me advice regarding my son’s Clarinet which was willed to him some 15 years ago. We are not especially interested in it’s value, although if it is valuable it would be useful to know as more care should be taken of it!
I have had it identified by a company who specialize in instrument repairs here in Brisbane. The instrument in question is a Grand Prix B low pitch serial number 1010. It was difficult to identify as the stamping is very faint but it is definitely Martin Freres with the little fly.
At some time it has had a pinned repair on the section next to the mouthpiece. The repair is still in good order.
What we would really like to know is when it was manufactured, so if you could offer a guidance as whom I may contact who could help me establish this I would indeed be very grateful.
Best wishes and thank you in hopeful anticipation,
John R.
———-
John,
Thank you for your email.
The Grand Prix was a limited edition clarinet produced c1906-1914 by Martin Freres to coincide with the first Grand Prix races in France.
Unfortunately, we no longer have serial number to date-stamp data for such models so we cannot be certain of the exact date of manufacture. However, we can find no Grand Prix model advertisements after 1914.
The original advertisement can be found here:
https://martinfreres.net/j-b-martin-martin-freres-1913-instrument-advertisement/
Value estimations can be found here:
https://martinfreres.net/clarinetcatalog/how-much-is-my-martin-freres-clarinet-worth/
Identifying photo can be found here:
https://martinfreres.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/GrandPrix3.jpg
Thank you,
The Martin Freres Company Team ...
* The Martin Family actually began manufacturing woodwind instruments in the year 1740 (inspiring the collection of models with the 1740 stamp released in the 1940s and 50s) in La Couture Boussey (Eure) FR. The use of the company and brand name ‘Martin Freres' (for woodwind manufacturing) does not first appear anywhere in the world until 1840.
The Martin Freres Company is a family business.
Take me to:
About Martin Freres Company ...
In 1905, Martin Freres instruments were manufactured in La Couture Boussey, Eure, France.
The catalog features Boehm, Demi-Boehm, Albert, Simple and J-B Martin System Clarinets.
What does J-B Martin stand for?
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