Serial: 501653
Listed 1 month ago
This Boosey & Hawkes Emperor Bb clarinet is a well-built vintage intermediate/advanced instrument, freshly serviced and fully repadded for reliable performance. Known for its distinctive British design and larger bore profile, the Emperor offers a broad, warm tonal character and an open playing feel. It is also known as the Boosey & Hawkes 4-20 model.
This example has been thoroughly serviced and is ready to play. With solid wood construction, a clean bore, and a full mechanical adjustment, it represents a strong player-grade instrument with vintage character.
The body is constructed from grenadilla wood with a 15.00mm (.590") bore and 65mm barrel, contributing to its open response and full-bodied sound. The instrument is in good overall condition, showing typical cosmetic wear including light scratches, nicks, and blemishes from normal use. Metal tenon caps are present on all joints. There are no cracks or previous repairs. A small chip is present in the bell, which does not affect playability. The bore has been cleaned and oiled, remaining in very good condition.
Pads, Corks & Mechanism
Completely repadded with blue leather pads
Pads properly seated for a consistent seal throughout
Tenon corks replaced where necessary
Key corks and quiet corks replaced where necessary
Fully adjusted and playtested for consistent response
Mechanism operating properly
Keys & Hardware
Nickel-plated keywork
Keywork machine polished and hand finished where necessary
Metal tenon caps on all joints
Smooth key action with typical signs of use
Case & Accessories
Original Boosey & Hawkes case (functionally good condition)
Used Buffet mouthpiece marked “F3A” and “125”
Generic ligature
Metal cap
Additional Notes
The Boosey & Hawkes Emperor was produced in England and positioned as an intermediate/advanced model within the company’s lineup. It features a larger bore design compared to many French clarinets, resulting in a more open feel and broader tonal profile. These instruments are known for their warm, dark sound and are often favored by players seeking a vintage tonal character. While not designed as a conservatory-level instrument, the Emperor remains a solid and underrated option, particularly when fully serviced as seen here.
Please refer to photos for cosmetic condition and demo video for playability.
Disclaimer
As-is sale
Buyer pays $30 toward shipping
All instruments are shipped with insurance and may require a signature upon delivery
All instruments are inspected and play-tested before shipping
It is recommended to have instrument inspected after shipping as minor adjustments may be needed
Additional setup work may be desired for personal playing preferences