Hi everyone— As some of you already know, my vehicle was burglarized last Saturday night while I was inside playing a gig in West Oakland (California). Among the many things stolen, the two most important are two clarinets I love very much. I’m asking your help in tracking them down. I know many of you aren’t in the area, but apparently stolen instruments are often fenced on ebay or craigslist now, which means they can end up anywhere in the country. If you are in the area, and you find yourself at a flea market, secondhand store, or the like, please have a look around, as these are apparently nowadays the most common place to find stolen instruments. My phone number is 415-867-9260 (or 415-574-5829), please call anytime.
Unfortunately I don’t have serial numbers for either one, but here’s the most detailed description I can give of them:
Amati G (Turkish) clarinet, Albert/Oehler system. Two months old. I THINK the serial number is 5244, but that’s just from memory. It’s in a hardshell plastic case, with the pivot missing from the left hand hinge. The most distinguishing characteristic is that I’d sanded the inside of the cup in the bell (where the lower joint gets inserted), and instead of being black, there are red streaks visible. Also, the left hand G#/C# key (which plays concert D#/A#) squeaks noticeably. This instrument has been my inspiration and joy for the last two months (since I bought it) and it’s devastating to have lost it.Case lining is red. It has two barrels, an Amati mouthpiece with Rovner (black vinyl) ligature. There was a four-reed case inside, with Barre-Mec #1 reeds (could be a Rico in there too).
Eb (sopranino) clarinet, also Albert system. In a tiny wooden case (about 16”x4”x4”) covered in whatever that fake leather stuff is) with yellow foam pieced together as dividers between the pieces. There was a two-reed case with (I believe) La Voz reeds, and a small box of cork grease.
Please pass this information along to friends, especially musician friends who might find themselves in music stores.
Thank you very much, Peter Jaques 415-867-9260 or 574-5829