"A British sound with a slightly French touch."
Boosey & Hawkes Imperial 926, another A-clarinet.
[Overview]
Boosey & Hawkes A-clarinet
Model: Imperial 926
Body: Granadilla; upper and lower joints (barrel and bell), tenon sockets (metal reinforcement rings)
Keys: Silver-plated finish
Year of manufacture: 1969
Accessories: Double hard case
[Condition]
Minor scuffs and scattered faint scratches. No noticeable scratches, cracks, or peeling plating. It is in excellent condition that belies its age. All pads (white leather) and corks have been replaced, and the instrument has been overhauled and adjusted.
[Features]
The Imperial 926 was produced by the prestigious British manufacturer Boosey & Hawkes as a mid-range model.This instrument is the A-clarinet version of that model. While the company’s flagship Symphony 1010 features a 15.25mm large bore, the 926 has a slightly slimmer 15.0mm bore. It is characterized by a design that retains the essence of a British clarinet while making a slight concession toward the French style.
Unlike the expansive, rich tone of the 1010 series, this instrument produces a sound with a well-defined core and clear articulation. While the player has some leeway to adjust the intonation, it does not require the same level of meticulous attention to mouthpiece settings as the company’s large-bore models, making it a relatively easy-to-play instrument.
Although it was manufactured around 1970, it was actually used for less than 10 years. It shows only minor scuffs and faint scratches; there are no cracks or noticeable plating peeling, and it remains in excellent condition considering its age. Furthermore, all pads have been replaced with white leather, and a full overhaul—including cork replacement—has been completed. It has been prepared for immediate use in regular performances.
Since opportunities to play an A-clarinet are limited, it takes a bit of courage to invest in an expensive, modern model right from the start. With this instrument, however, you can explore the unique sound and playing feel of an A-clarinet while also experiencing the history of British clarinets embodied by Boosey & Hawkes. The Imperial 926 A-clarinet lets you enjoy both practicality and the charm of a vintage instrument.
