Serpent, nominal pitch: 8-ft C

Baudouin

Photo by Antonia Reeve © The University of Edinburgh

Alternative Title

Serpent.

Instrument

Serpent

Instrument Family

Wind

Maker

Baudouin

Place Made

Western Europe; Paris; Europe; France

Date Made

Circa 1820

Description

Technical description: Wood, leather-covered, painted black; brass crook receiver ferrule with silver band 5mm wide at distal end. 6 finger-holes, no keys. Crooks brass with thread lapping: (3606a) original, (3606b) made for this instrument by Christopher Monk. The depth of insertion differs mainly because of the greater thickness of thread lapping present on (3606b).The bore at the mouthpiece end of both crooks is similar, and the bore at the distal end of both crooks is similar, but there is a significant difference in the bore profile: the external diameter midway of (3606a) is 21.0mm, of (3606b) 16.9mm. This would affect the alignment of the upper resonances of the air column. Usable pitch: With crook (3606a) playable at A⁴ = 440 Hz; with crook (3606b) playable at c 20 cents above A⁴ = 440 Hz. Signature/ Marks: Stamped/incised inside bell on inside of curve, aligned parallel with bore "BAUDOUIN".

Other Information

Specific usage history: Formerly used by Christopher Monk (1921-1991).

Notes

R. Parks, 11.05.96; A. Myers, 11.05.96, bore 27.3.98.

Measurements

843. Body external diameter at proximal end 41 - 43, at bell 112 - 113.

Provenance

ex- Alan Lumsden collection; ex- C.W. Monk collection; ex- P.A.T. Bate collection, bought by Monk from Philip Bate July 1958 for £10/0/0;bought by Bate in Paris "some years ago" also for £10/0/0.; on loan to the Collection.