Unicorn?

Jeabrams · October 08, 2026, 09:00:29 PM

So this just appeared in my mailbox and I'm wondering if it is really what I think...... see photos below.....

ghostler · October 08, 2026, 10:44:14 PM

Quote from: Jeabrams on October 08, 2026, 09:00:29 PMSo this just appeared in my mailbox and I'm wondering if it is really what I think it cut. United Wellbhummmm à

Photos didn't come through.

Jeabrams · October 09, 2026, 07:34:22 AM

Well it seems the mobil app won't let me post photos! so here I go again!!

Jeabrams · October 09, 2026, 08:04:16 AM

so here's a couple more for scale and clarity.......

The other two instruments on the stand are an Artley 16-0 piccolo and an Eb clarinet...

ghostler · October 09, 2026, 11:14:42 AM

Smaller than an Eb sopranino, it's a Bb sopranino clarinet?

Jeabrams · October 09, 2026, 04:34:40 PM

Ab sopranino Buffet, Simple System keywork.
My guess is mid to late 1800's...... with an original hand carved mouthpiece and original(?) ligature. I have replaced the lower set of pads and it's almost playable. I need to find 5mm pads or make some for the upper keys..... I've also made a 3D replica mouthpiece just because I think the original needs to be set aside as a working example.

Windsong · October 09, 2026, 05:52:06 PM

Jeabrams,

That is super cool. I trip over my fingers playing my Eb and D natural, so I cannot fathom the hands needed to play this one quickly. The body appears to be rosewood. And is that an Italian maker's inscription on the upper joint just under the Buffet logo?

That is a proper standard Albert right there. 2 rings is perfect. Literally all you need, save for a decent F#, but that is how it is with most Alberts.

Congrats!

(Please let me know if you would like to make me a 3D Key of D mouthpiece for my one and only wooden one. I will pay gladly.)

ghostler · October 09, 2026, 07:08:12 PM

Interesting, an Ab sopranino in Albert system, Jeabrams. That indeed is a rare find and in such good condition.

I don't have any Albert system clarinets yet. Maybe one of these days ....

Jeabrams · October 10, 2026, 06:58:09 AM

Windsong pm me the inside outside and height measurements for the mouthpiece you need.

I can scale the one I have and get close I think. There are other dimensions that are much harder to measure without tools but I can make some good guesses about reed hight etc.

Windsong · October 10, 2026, 10:30:13 AM

Quote from: Jeabrams on October 10, 2026, 06:58:09 AMWindsong pm me the inside outside and height measurements for the mouthpiece you need.

I can scale the one I have and get close I think. There are other dimensions that are much harder to measure without tools but I can make some good guesses about reed hight etc.

Will do, and thank you for being willing to take a look. Despite the D natural being proportionately longer than Eb, as an A is to a Bb, the D uses a miniscule mouthpiece not even remotely adjacent to the modern or historical Eb mouthpiece--both in terms of length, width, table dimensions and internal bore. I must cut down Eb reeds to allow them to work.

So as not to derail this thread, I will be starting a new MP thread.