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I thank Deone for giving me the opportunity to review not one, but two Rampone clarinets.
I suspect that this was near the top of their line around 1930.
Serial #7 927
Barrel: 61.3mm
Bore LH joint top: 14.55mm
Bore LH joint at bottom: 14.65mm
This clarinet has odd pad sizes. For the RH joint, 2 x 17.5mm, 1 x 15.5mm, 1 x 16.25mm. The two smaller pads are also not the same. 10.5mm and 11.5mm. The LH joint is mainly 10mm. All are sized according to what I was using: medium Valentino GB.
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 0mm at the center tenon.
Intonation summary: We have traded a normally sharp chalumeau C and in tune clariion G for a right in tune C and flat G. Similarly also for low D and the corresponding clarion A. I will improve the D/A by undercutting. I am hesitant to go to far to fix these. These might be advantages for some pieces, and problems to overcome for others. The problems in intonation in other places are not that bad and can be overcome by smart playing— such as using a different fingering for the high F. When this was made, it would have represented professional intonation.
Key work quality: Quite good, and there are things I very much like. Those are mainly the long screws for the ring keys on both keyed joints. The crowfoot is so soft that it will be hard to keep in adjustment. It would be a good idea to have someone solder on a reinforcement.
This clarinet is most appropriate for: Anyone who loves interesting vintage instruments that play in tune.
Condition issues noted: I fixed a couple of small cracks on the upper tenon of the RH joint. And the barrel had two long but still-closed cracks. The RH part of the bridge key has been soldered. This makes the pad operated by the rings a bit too close.
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