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.