Does anyone have any idea what a Boosey and Hawkes Emperor clarinet, serial no. 539014 might be worth approximately? Were the Emperors all student models, or did they make more advanced ones? Someone has lent me one, it sounds quite good and I might buy it, but they've had it for years, so not sure what to pay them if I go ahead.

clarry

I bought a matched pair of Bb and A Emperors about 3 years ago fully serviced for about ?600. I don't think I paid too much. I am told they are slightly higher quality than the Buffet E13, but I'm not sure about that. They are certainly a lot heavier! There are plenty of people on the forums who know much more about clarinets than I do, so I'll be interested to see what they say.

Is it wooden or plastic? Yes, they do indeed make plastic Emperor's!

If it is wooden it is worth anywhere from ?175-400 depending on the condition. It is an upgrade intermediate / semi pro instrument (think Buffet E13).

PM me if you would like any more info.

My A clarinet is a B&H Emperor, about 35 years old. I bought her off eBay and paid 400 pounds.

When I upgraded from a Buffet B12, I bought an Emperor. It was also ?400, but we're talking over 10 years ago. I don't play it now, as it developed a large crack and the tuning was out, but it was a good instrument before that happened.

Thanks, everyone, for that useful info! I've decided to go ahead and buy the Emperor as it has a really nice sound, and seems in good nick!

I bought a pair of Boosey & Hawkes wooden Emperor clarinets in 1994 and they cost me ?500. The A was almost brand new, but sadly the Bb was very well-used and didn't have much playing left in it. I upgraded to them from a Buffet B12 student clarinet. I have to say that i absolutely loved my Emperors, but on the advice from my tutor at Uni at that time, part-exchanged them for a Buffet E11 which i've had ever since (and still play). I really wish i'd kept my Emperors now though, even just for the A. I remember finding my E11 "fatter" to hold when i got it, or thicker perhaps is a better way to describe it, and in no way did it have as nice a tone as the Emperors.