Offered here is a Newly Reconditioned Pro Quality Vintage J. Gras Clarinet in A. I got this instrument somewhat by chance expecting something all together different. It had me stumped for a while. I thought it was a hard rubber instrument, but upon very close examination I found it to be wood with a finish over the wood. I have completely disassembled this clarinet: cleaned and oiled the wood; buffed each of the forged solid silver keys; replaced all of the pads with new 3 mm, double bladder, pressed felt, American made pads. I then cleaned and lubed all of the pivot rods and screws, and reassembled the instrument. I play tested it, made a few more adjustments and then played it rather extensively.

I found the instrument to have a very nice, meaty tone. The tone is consistent from top to bottom with a very even response. The intonation is very good. I mainly work with Leblanc clarinets and while the Gras lacks some of the sleekness of the Leblanc key work, the Gras is a very solidly built clarinet with many years of service still ahead of it.

Included in this sale is:
     1 - J. Gras A Clarinet (used - very good condition
     1 - Selmer Double Clarinet Case (used - fair condition)
     1 - Tube of Cork Grease (new)

I did some homework on the J. Gras Company and found that they were a respected French instrument maker from the mid 19th Century to the late 1920s. The company was based in Lille, France which is in the northern part of the country quite near the Belgium border. I have found several references to their A clarinets and apparently they are somewhat sought after.

I am a retired music teacher and professional woodwind performer with over 60 years experience. Since my retirement from teaching, I have maintained an active schedule as a performer and have set about to find good quality clarinets (once in a while a flute) in need of repair, which I get back into as good a condition as possible and then get them into the hands of someone who will use and cherish it. While I happened upon this great instrument quite by chance, this is an instrument that I am proud to have had the opportunity to work on. Why settle for an inferior plastic clarinet when for less money you can have a beautiful wood instrument? My prices cover my costs (most of the time). I offer instruments which I am proud to sell and you'll be proud to own. One of my favorite reviews here is, "I came as a customer and left as a friend." I stand 100% behind my offerings, so if you are not happy with your purchase for any reason, simply return it for a full refund.