 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Willow
Date: 2008-11-23 20:44
Hi,
I was going through some of my mothers stuff and found an old
Getzen Deluxe Clarinet
Elkhorn Wis
The case has Betzen on the handle and there is a metal plate that reads
N.F. Jacobs and Son Inc. Jewelers
Richmond 19,VA
Band Instuments
My question is, is it worth fixing up? It will need pads, cork, and a new reed.
I thought maybe my grandchildren could use it if it was worth it.
Does anyone out there know?
Willow
WillowEagle823@gmail.com
Post Edited (2008-11-23 21:10)
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Author: NorbertTheParrot
Date: 2008-11-23 20:58
Betzen?
More likely Getzen. About 60 years old, I believe.
The cost of repairing is likely to be at least as much as you'd pay for a modern secondhand instrument.
"my grandchildren could use it" ... I don't know how many grandchildren you have, but you make it sound as though you think this is some sort of toy they could all share.
"It will need [...] a new reed". ... reeds are disposable items.
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Author: Willow
Date: 2008-11-23 21:08
Thank you so much for you're response. I am most grateful for any advice.
As for my grandchildren, I am sorry I did not mean to offend you or anyone else.
I simply figured that maybe one of the three may like to learn to play it.
Thanks again
Willow
WillowEagle823@gmail.com
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2008-11-23 21:23
An instrument repairman can tell you if it is worth fixing up or not.
I'm not much of a fan of old clunker fixups in my teaching studio. If mold, mildew didn't get to it then it may be certainly worth putting $150 into.
Even if it eventually gets used as a marching instrument.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
Post Edited (2008-11-23 21:38)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-11-23 21:44
I've heard the name before but more familiar with the "other" Elkhorn, Wi instrument maker "Holton". I did have a Holton clarinet that was made by Buffet but it wasn't anything special. My personal opinion is that you wouldn't be doing your grandchildren any favor by giving them the horn.
Bob Draznik
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-11-23 22:50
I wonder if this instrument is from Getzen in Indiana. They make decent brass instruments; my sister has one of the original Getzen Eterna Severensen models of Bb trumpet. I think they were in Elkhart, IN, if I recall correctly. If they are the same company, there may be more hope that it is a quality instrument, or at least worth a repadding to get into playing shape. Of course, it would need a new mouthpiece, reeds and a ligature, but you can get all of that for a beginner for well under $50.
By the way, welcome to the Clarinet board, Willow!
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: Dan1937
Date: 2008-11-24 10:42
Willow,
As far as I know, there were (at least) two Getzen instrument manufacturers about 60 years ago, and one went out of business. The current Getzen is the manufacturer of the brass instruments referred to above, which are quite good, by all reports.
I encountered several of these Getzen Clarinets in my early years of teaching, and they were not wonderful. They seemed to get out of proper adjustment frequently, and the keys were made of something called "pot metal," which, when they had been bent, broke upon attempting to bend them back into their original shape. Other than that outstanding cheapness of construction, I do not remember any positive characteristics of these CSO's.
My advice would be to make a lamp out of it.
Dan
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Author: Tsphinx
Date: 2009-01-07 05:50
Willow;
I also have a older restored Getzen Deluxe Clarinet. My clarinet is a Grenadilla wood example, silver plated key work, and all the joints are metal reinforced, made by an unknown French manufacturer probably back in the early to mid 1950's. (Malerne?)
It's doubtful that Getzen manufactured their own clarinets, It seems likely they were all made for them by other makers.
I do agree that a great deal of vintage clarinets leave a lot to be desired, both in tone & playability. However if it's a wood clarinet, perhaps get it checked out by someone who is familiar with clarinets.
Getzen is better known for it's brass instruments, which are definitely top notch.
Oh and if anyone wants to have their children learn how to play the clarinet, please buy them a good used late model Vito, Bundy, or Yamaha.
And hey if it's unplayable & not worth restoring, a lamp sounds fun.
Cheers
Yoni
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