Klarinet Archive - Posting 000723.txt from 2002/10

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] propeller wood clarinet?
Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002 23:24:47 -0500

At 12:37 PM 10/28/2002 +0100, Aad Overeem wrote:
>My first posting on this list after lurking for some time. Love this list!
>What is a 'Propeller Wood' clarinet?

In the late 1940's, I believe, Conn began manufacturing clarinets out of
laminated wood (essentially thick plywood, similar to what is used to
manufacture wooden aircraft propellers) to be sold under their cheaper
Pan-American brand. The main idea was to create a clarinet which would not
crack. When the laminated billets were turned on the lathes to produce
clarinet bodies, a very beautiful false grain pattern was revealed. Since
the laminated wood did not take stain well, the clarinets were left
unstained and this, coupled with the very bold and symmetrical grain
pattern, made these strikingly beautiful instruments. While they do resist
cracking very well, a bad batch of wood caused some of these clarinets to
de-laminate, which ruined their reputation and production ended after just
a few years. Officially called "violin finish," these clarinets are not
particularly good players, but are in high demand on eBay, etc., just for
their looks. I think the tone hole inserts were pretty much necessary on
these models because the laminated wood would likely chip apart if they
attempted to do the fine cutting necessary to make integral tone holes.

Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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