Klarinet Archive - Posting 000492.txt from 1998/01

From: lanewhite@-----.com (Lane G White)
Subj: Re: Need Info: Kohlert A Clarinet
Date: Sat, 10 Jan 1998 11:10:01 -0500

On Fri, 9 Jan 1998 22:03:33 -0500 "Chuck Hatcher" <hatcher1@-----.net>
writes:

>1. How can I tell if it is an A clarinet?

If you're not very familiar with clarinets, see if you can round up a
modern Bb clarinet (that's the standard-issue band instrument). An A will
be noticably longer - roughly an inch. Hang on to that clarinet for
question >2<

>2. Were Kohlert clarinets any good?

That I couldn't tell you, personally. It's not one of the well known
brands in the US. Since it's made in Germany, I wonder if it's Boehm
system. Is the keywork along the same lines as the modern Bb? Simple
thing to look for is 4 touchpieces below the 3rd ring on the lower joint.
If it has that, it's a Boehm system.

If it's not a Boehm system, its marketability will be mainly as a
collector's item, if anything. Virtually everyone in the US plays the
Boehm system (watch for flames, since both of the people who don't will
likely be on this list :-) )

>3. How old is it?

Given the condition, probably at least 20-30 years. If it's not Boehm,
probably much older, like pre WWII.

>4. What might it cost to overhaul/restore?

Repadding, recorking & basic key massaging (tighten it up here and there,
get the action consistent) will run $150-300, depending on your area and
the condition. If it's not a Boehm, don't bother unless you can determine
that there's someone interested in whatever it is. Even then, a buyer may
prefer to buy it as is.

>5. Does it have any value? Anyone have a vintage sax to trade?

I have no idea from what I know at this point. If it's a 20-30-40 year
old Boehm instrument, probably be worth about $100 more than it cost to
repad and recork as a beginner instrument for somebody. If it's an older
horn that is not Boehm, it will be worth $50-150 to somebody as an oddity
to hang on the wall, unless it is in fact some sort of collectible item
I'm not aware of.

You can't have my 1955 Martin Indiana alto! Supposedly their student
model at the time, I like it as well as anything I've played yet. When my
instructor was play-testing it with me, he became very depressed about
his $$$$$ Selmer SA80 that he had recently bought new.
>
>

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