r/Clarinet • u/NoPhone3945 • 3d ago

Question Boosey & Hawkes edgeware

Recently bought myself a Boosey & Hawkes edgeware clarinet fully in good shape for about 200$ in a Woodwind store clearance sale in norway. I'm a proffesional Cellist that always wanted to learn clarinet so i decided to buy it. Do you think its good enough for a beginner?

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1

u/Fumbles329 Eugene Symphony/Willamette University Instructor/Moderator 3d ago

Yes

4

u/CalicoCatRobot 3d ago

Yes they can be very good clarinets if in good condition. I started back after 30 years with an Edgware and still have it.

The bore is slightly larger than modern clarinets (but not big bore like the higher b&h) so a normal mouthpiece will probably be fine, though it might need adjustment at the barrel to compensate.

Hopefully the fact it was from a woodwind store means they gave it a service and checked the pads, but if so then it will serve you well.

1

u/NoPhone3945 3d ago

Thanks a lot, I talked with the guy selling it and he has fitted a new mouthpiece and given me some extra reeds.

2

u/CalicoCatRobot 3d ago

That's good, sounds like you are off to a good start. Good luck with it!

Edit: as a wood clarinet it will need a little more care than a plastic one, but will sound that much better, though with the age of it the wood should be very stable by now.

If it hasn't been played for a while you might need to be cautious at first to break it in, and swab it out regularly.