S. Fox instruments available for immediate sale, used instruments and other items
 

clarinets
saxophones
other instruments, cases, mouthpieces, etc.


 
  
Amati Oehler System Bb clarinet

This is a brand new instrument, unused except for testing.  It was purchased out of curiosity and because it was available, but is now surplus to requirements.

The body is grenadilla and the keywork is silver plated.  It is full professional Oehler system except without a low E or F correction mechanism (though one could be retrofitted if the customer wishes).  It comes with two Amati barrels, a Zinner German model mouthpiece and a nice hardshell single case.  On request, a barrel can be supplied for use with French style (small tenon) mouthpieces.  The selling price is the landed wholesale cost.

Those who only know Amati as a maker of inexpensive instruments will be amazed at the quality, especially of the keywork.  It would be an ideal way to dip one's toes into the true German style of clarinet playing.

Price:  enquire

 


  
Louis & Co. Bb clarinet
 

Founded in 1923 under the direction of the celebrated clarinettist Charles Draper, Louis & Co. manufactured high quality clarinets copied from the fabled Martel design (which was also the model for the contemporary Hawkes & Son First Class clarinets).  Probably from the later part of the company's run (judging by the absence of the rollers on the F/C and Ab/Eb touchpieces which appear on the earlier models), it would be ideal for players interested in performing music of the 1920s and '30s on original equipment.

The grenadilla body is in perfect condition, with no cracks.  The unplated nickel silver keywork is likewise undamaged.  The barrel is a new replacement (with authentic non-scalloped metal rings).  It plays nicely at A440 with a modern French mouthpiece, though no doubt an expert such as Ed Pillinger would have recommendations for a more authentic mouthpiece.

It was fully serviced recently after having received a complete overhaul several years ago using bladder pads, though it could be repadded with more correct leather pads if desired.  The original case is in good condition. 

Price:  enquire

 


  
Lyons C clarinet


The innovative Lyons C clarinet was introduced in the 1980s as a beginner instrument for young children, and a whole generation of British clarinettists - Julian Bliss, for example - got their start on it.  A modified version (the Nuvo Clarinéo) is still in production.  This is a new, unused example, purchased just for interest.

Constructed entirely in plastic (ABS for the body and Delrin for the keys), it is amazingly lightweight (only 200 g for the clarinet itself, 700 g including the rather goofy "space-age" case).  It never needs repairs in the conventional sense; the keys are hinged on integral pivots (no screws), and the pads are free-floating, made from a rubber-like material.  If a key were to break, it would simply be replaced by a new item (they are still available from www.clarinet-for-children.com) and snapped in place.  The keywork is simplified Boehm system (without F#, Bb and B/C trill keys, sliver keys, RH E/B and RH F#/C#).

Acoustically designed by the renowned Ted Planas, it plays nicely and is very well in tune.  The mouthpiece is very good, there would be no need to replace it.

Price:  enquire

 

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Buescher Aristocrat alto sax

Serial number 2853335 (1937-38)

This has been my personal alto sax since early 2007 (it can be heard on the latest Riverdale Ensemble CD, Twelve by the Moon-dial).  It's by far the sweetest-sounding alto I've ever played, and it would be painful to sell it, but since I also have a slightly later Aristocrat on which I've installed a high F# key, it's difficult to justify owning both.

The original silver plating is 99% on the body, with just a couple of tiny areas starting to wear through (they could be touched up with a brush plater); the gold wash inside the bell is still intact.  Damage is limited to a very small dent under one key guard foot, which has been resoldered at some point in the distant past.  The plating on the keys is 100% (two keys have recently been replated).  The original pad snaps and studs are all present except for some of the smallest pads (stack C# and high D, Eb and E).  The pads (mostly installed by Gayle Fredenburgh, from whom the sax was originally purchased) are in excellent condition.  The original case is in good, usable condition (much more so than a 1920s-style sax case).

Price:  enquire
 
 

 

  Nothing at present
home
 

custom artist clarinets
 

reproduction historical woodwinds
 

tárogató
 

Bohlen-Pierce instruments
 

accessories
 

repair, restoration and customisation services
 

ordering information, terms and conditions


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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