Grenadier

The keyed joints on this clarinet were made of wood, while the bell and barrel are hard rubber. With the name Grenadier, it is clear that this was made for military bands. The wooden keyed joints are not stamped with a model name and don't have a serial number. There is a big G stamped under the keys. This shows clear signs of being made by Couesnon.

Serial # none, but there is a batch marker of 016 under the keys. The position of the marks is odd, being on top rather than on the sides.Barrel: 63.5mmBore LH joint top: 14.2mm

Bore LH joint at bottom: 14.4mm

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

This test was made pulled about 2mm at the barrel and 1mm in the middle.

Intonation summary: This is OK intonation, and not quite up to the best of the Couesnon line. The high upper register can easily be lipped down, which I did not do for this test. I also continued to use the E-flat key on high D and above. Not using it would help the top three notes tested. The low throat tone B-flat would not be flat when played softer, and one can always use the side key if it is to be played loudly. A narrow bore instrument like this has a very sweet tone.

Key work quality: Good quality chrome plating over nickel keys.

This clarinet is most appropriate for: Adults returning to playing clarinet, or beginning to intermediate students.

Couesnon characteristics:

  • Straight un-shaped linkage for the bridge key.
  • Single post for the left pinkie keys.
  • Up and down screws for the thumb rest.
  • Three posts for the throat tone G# and A keys.
  • It is a bit uncharacteristic that there is no chiselled out place under the right pinkie keys. The Barbier Couesnon has only a small amount taken out there.