Valette / G Valette HR

Serial #3873 The 8 is indistinctly stamped and could have been another number.

Barrel: 65.2mm

Bore LH joint top: 14.5mm

Bore LH joint at bottom: 14.5mm

This HR clarinet has the characteristics I have associated with Couesnon HR clarinets made under several names, such as no adjustment screw in the throat tone Ab key, and the single post for the left pinkie keys— which are also pin-in-hole type.

Intonation results taken when playing loud and not lipping. See how to interpret these results on the Model Comparison Page.

For this test, I pulled 0 at the barrel and 0 at the center tenon.

Intonation summary: I have seen fabulous intonation on these stencil hard rubber clarinets before. This is fantastic. I would take a little flatness in the clarion E any day and get the wonderfully in tune Chalumeau register.

Key work quality: Good. Not as sturdy as modern Noblet, but good for normal use. I have reconditioned this one with the Keep It Simple system. Four holes have been temporarily blocked with tape.

This clarinet is most appropriate for: Anyone. It is a pity that so few people are looking for these vntage hard rubber stencil clarinets. The intonation on this would match or be better than many professional clarinets.

Condition issues noted: None.