A. Lecomte & Cie. (<1890)

This is a rare 10-key Ophicleide in C, manufactured by the French maker A. Lecomte & Cie in Paris. Based on the company's historical timeline, this instrument was most likely crafted between 1875 and 1890. When it arrived, it suffered from various dents and air leaks. Following careful repairs to seal the brass and restore proper compression, the instrument is fully functional once again.

Acoustically, this ophicleide highlights a classic dilemma for modern players. The instrument was built to the historic High Pitch standard. In order to bring it down closer to modern concert pitch, the bocal must be pulled out as far as physically possible. While this extension successfully alters the fundamental pitch, it severely compromises the instrument's internal acoustics, negatively impacting the overall intonation. However, when accepting these historical quirks, the horn still produces a remarkably beautiful and resonant sound.