Klarinet Archive - Posting 000889.txt from 1997/10

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Question
Date: Thu, 23 Oct 1997 07:42:38 -0400

At 08:57 PM 10/22/97 -0400, you wrote:
>On another note (pun intended) perhaps I can get some information about my
>instrument. the clarinet I am using was given to me in trade for a large
>microwave stand when I moved about two years ago. At the time a local
>repair person who goes by the name of "The Horn Doctor" told me it seemed
>to be in good condition, and that it was probably worth about $300. The
>instrument is an Armstrong, made in Elkhart, Ind. there is a number on the
>lower half (234819), and also another number on the upper half (4001). It
>came with a H-COUF 2* special mouthpiece, metal ligature, and I use a Zonda
>#3 reed. There was a good-size scratch in the lip of the mouthpiece which I
>smoothed out with a very fine diamond file. Yes, I know, being a beginner I
>shouldn't have even touched it, but being of meager means I cannot afford
>another one at this time, so don't jump on me to hard. ;-]
>I would like to know it's age and worth, and any other interesting
>comments.

The 4001 is a current model Armstrong plastic clarinet (no need to do the
float test). The other number is the serial number. Similar student-model
instruments list new in the $590 to $650 range. Armstrong, along with
Artley, Conn, King, and Benge, is part of United Musical Instruments, USA,
Inc., a major instrument manufacturer. I am not familiar with Armstrong
clarinets. I only hope they are better than Artleys.

Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
Essexville, MI 48732 http://members.wbs.net/homepages/z/o/o/zoot14.html

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.