Klarinet Archive - Posting 000359.txt from 2004/12

From: "Kevin Fay" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: metal clarinets
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 19:34:21 -0500

Ed asked:

<<<What other manufactures produced double walled metal clarinets? Does a
metal clarinet have to be double walled to be of excellent construction?>>>

Wm . S. Haynes (the flute people) did a few, double walled. There was a
mechanism to heat up the airspace between the walls so that the intonation
would be better when picked up - I've been told a story that this was
actually invented by Mr. Powell, and a quibble over its invention led to him
leaving Haynes' employ. (I have no idea if this is true.)

Selmer made a bunch of metal clarinets, I believe both single- and
double-walled. I have seen a double-walled only on eBay, but have seen a
single-walled Selmer metal myself. For a time, Selmer metal horns were
played in the Boston Symphony. I believe Buffet made some too (sold through
the Sears catalog, no less!).

Orsi makes what they advertise as an artist-level metal clarinet; see
http://www.orsi-wind-instruments.it/cl_professionali.htm. I have never
played one, however, so can't give a first-hand report.

I have never played on a metal clarinet that I thought was any good. OTOH,
I've never had the opportunity to play one that was built for artist-level;
unfortunately, even at the beginning of the last century they had the
reputation of being for entry level instruments only. I'm told that some
were fine instruments. My wife tells me that her silver flute works just
great, so I don't think the material by itself isn't capable of producing a
good sound.

kjf

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