Serial #: none, but there is a batch mark: 10A.
Thanks to Frode in Norway for giving me the opportunity to review this clarinet!
Barrel: 65.7mm
Bore LH joint top: 14.3mm
Bore LH joint at bottom: 14.65mm
This is the reverse of poly-cylindrical!The S.A. was probably a student-level Couesnon product. I wonder if the “A” stands for Army, as there is a built in hole for a marching lyre and the bell is made of hard rubber. I would also say that the S.A. was made around 1935.
Couesnon traits include
OVERVIEW
Pitch: Bb
Key System: Boehm System
Maker: Cousenon
Brand Name: S.A.
Place of Manufacture: France
Approximate Date: 1935
Body Material: grenadilla wood
Bore Type: positive polycylinder, 14.3mm/14.65mm
Key Metal: unplated nickel silver
Keywork Quality: ok quality
Serial Number: none; 10A batch mark
Recommended For: beginning to intermediate
Value: up to $250
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 1mm at the barrel and 1.7mm in the center for this horn.
Intonation summary: As long as this is pulled out in the center, this is not bad intonation. For the era in which this clarinet was made, this was quite good intonation. A smart player will be able to adjust to play in tune.
Key work quality: OK quality nickel silver keys as far as appearance and sturdiness. However the three largest key cups on the right hand are not designed well, so that the the pad must fit down more into the pad cup on the outer edge than on the hinge side. Take care in assembling and disassembling.
This clarinet is most appropriate for: Beginning to intermediate players.