Klarinet Archive - Posting 000796.txt from 1998/02

From: "Dr. Ronald P. Monsen" <RPMONS00@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: acoustics/rare woods/K.Harby
Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998 09:16:59 -0500

In the 1930's the American flute maker Haynes and the French firm of
H Selmer both produced a high-end metal clarinet. The Haynes were of
sterling silver with a double walled contruction which allowed the
player to open a small valve and blow warm air into the body to get it
warmed up. They were available in both A and Bb--Selmer produced silver
instrument-complete with a metal mouthpiece--and in five pieces--instead
of only the barrel and mouthpiece being removable. The Selmer I have
does indeed play very well--it is my understanding that these instruments
were looked upon as "less-than" and for obvious commercial reasons the
development was thwarted. If memory serves me correctly there is a
story circulating that a principal of the Boston Symphony was dismissed

for having played one of these metal clarinets at rehearsal. Perhaps one
of the members of the list recalls the details of this story. I have also
seen metal oboes made by Kohlert of eastern Europe. They too went that
way--"less-than". It is my opinion that if the market wants it and it
can be promoted the manufacturers would certainly get on to it. Just an
observation between quintet rehearsals this Saturday morning.

Ron Monsen
School of Music
University of Kentucky

   
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