Vintage Lafayette Bb LP Simple Albert Clarinet
$675
Here's a beautiful 1920's Bb LP Simple Albert system clarinet by Couesnon of Paris, stenciled Lafayette for the US market! The instrument is made of grenadilla wood with nickel alloy keys, posts and rings, with a bore of .575". All pieces are original and Its in great shape for it's age, with one old repair in the upper body. Lafayette was the name of the street where the Couesnon factory was located in Paris, and it was used in the 1920's/30's for instruments imported to the US, especially by Bruno or Carl Fisher. These simple Alberts (without upper body rings and pinky rollers) remain popular with many traditional musicians from Greece, Albania, etc. who value the pure tone and the decorations possible with fewer keys. They are becoming increasingly difficult to find!
Its been disassembled, soaked in oil, the mechanism swedged and countersunk, body, keys, rings, and posts buffed, white leather pads and corks installed. I was really pleased by this clarinet, which plays with a surprisingly big, warm tone and good intonation, including front F and the forked fingerings! Comes with period case in solid condition. In fact, the last photo shows the handle I sourced off another case to replace the one missing from this one!
Its been disassembled, soaked in oil, the mechanism swedged and countersunk, body, keys, rings, and posts buffed, white leather pads and corks installed. I was really pleased by this clarinet, which plays with a surprisingly big, warm tone and good intonation, including front F and the forked fingerings! Comes with period case in solid condition. In fact, the last photo shows the handle I sourced off another case to replace the one missing from this one!
Payment
Cash, US personal or bank checks (held for 3 business days), US money orders, Venmo, Zelle, Western Union and bank wire transfer are all accepted. Check, Money Order, Zelle, or Venmo are preferred method of payment, and will save you quite a few dollars over Paypal.
Cash, US personal or bank checks (held for 3 business days), US money orders, Venmo, Zelle, Western Union and bank wire transfer are all accepted. Check, Money Order, Zelle, or Venmo are preferred method of payment, and will save you quite a few dollars over Paypal.
Shipping and Returns
All shipping is by Fedex or USPS priority with tracking (depending on the weight of the item). I can generally ship a clarinet and case for $20-30 - I try not to pad shipping. Antique/vintage instrument refunds issued on a case by case basis. Returns will be accepted within 5 days and I will issue refund (minus 10% for restock and cleaning), store credit or an exchange. Please enquire terms of return before purchase!
All shipping is by Fedex or USPS priority with tracking (depending on the weight of the item). I can generally ship a clarinet and case for $20-30 - I try not to pad shipping. Antique/vintage instrument refunds issued on a case by case basis. Returns will be accepted within 5 days and I will issue refund (minus 10% for restock and cleaning), store credit or an exchange. Please enquire terms of return before purchase!