Brittany 2212

This Brittany is better than #A31108. The only thing I don't like better on the older one is the logo, which is rather dull compared to the newer one. I would guess that this model was made in the 1950s, and the newer one in the 1960s.

OVERVIEW

Pitch: Bb

Key System: Boehm System

Maker: Malerne (?)

Brand Name: Brittany

Place of Manufacture: France

Approximate Date: 1950s

Body Material: Wood

Bore Type: standard, 14.7mm

Key Metal: Chrome plated

Keywork Quality: very good

Serial Number: 2212

Recommended For: beginner to intermediate

Value: up to $200

This article is incomplete! Please contact us with any additional information.

Serial # 2212

Barrel: 63.8mm

Bore LH joint top: 14.7mm

Bore LH joint at bottom: 14.7mm

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

Intonation summary: This is quite good intonation, and this clarinet will work well in a band. The greatest thing about this instrument is that the upper register is not sharp, which was a problem with the newer Brittany. The worst area is the mid-Chalemeau, but that is true of any instrument that does not have the modern poly-cylindrical bore.

Key work quality: Very good chrome plated, and NOT like the Czech keys on the newer Brittany.

This clarinet is most appropriate for: Anyone, beginners to fairly advanced players.

I think that this was made by Malerne. Here are characteristics that might be useful in identifying other Malerne's:

• There is a batch mark. This on is 202.
• The bore is 14.7mm.
• There is no chiselled out area underneath the right pinkie keys.
• The left pinkie keys are on two posts and are pin in hole type.
• The RH part of the bridge key is in the Malerne shape, and the first pad cup on the RH joint has almost zero upward bend— which is different from many Malerne's.
• The rings are not the wide style.
• The A and G# keys have four posts, and the G# key does not have a metal button underneath it. (The Malerne Standard had three posts for the A and G# keys.)
• The register key is the normal Buffet-style shape, however this is not true for the other Brittany.
• The thumb rest is the modern type with two screws set horizontally.

In these pictures, the Malerne Standard joint is below the Brittany joint.