Klarinet Archive - Posting 000365.txt from 2002/05

From: "Dee D. Hays" <deehays@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Metal clarinets
Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 22:02:20 -0400

----- Original Message -----
From: "William Wright" <w7wright@-----.net>
Subject: Re: [kl] Metal clarinets

> I don't know what Gary's opinion is, but mine is that metal clarinets
> are built for the inexpensive market, and hence their keys are pot
> metal, the barrel is a straight cylinder, etc etc.
>
> I expect that a metal clarinet could be built to play well (but perhaps
> not identically to wood) (and would cost more than $450) if someone
> wanted to do so.
>

Basically it's been done. The bad reputation of the cheap ones killed the
pro models off.

Noblet made a fine intermediate or better clarinet. Selmer and Conn made
some pro models. Then of course there is the legendary Haynes solid silver
model, which was reputed to be outstanding, and today brings a premium price
as a collector's item.

Dee Hays
Michigan

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