The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Newer Topic | Older Topic

VKS Clarinet

Author: RunAwayScreaming
Date: 2009-01-14 12:55

Hi all,

I recently bought an old clarinet and I'm trying to find out some information about it but I'm struggling to turn anything up. The person I bought it from inherited it from his grandfather, and all he could tell me is that it's a pre-war clarinet, possibly used in the military. The trademark on it reads VKS, which I've since learned stands for V Kohlerts Sohne, but that's all I know. The seller also told me it says "Trademark Chicago, ARI's. " but I can't see that on the instrument as it's partially rubbed off and very small letters!

Does anyone know anything else about this clarinet or this company?

Here are some pictures.

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/14/l_138224c12b83411c9df3446af0bc213d.jpg

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/25/l_5deec661d846411eb40d54c1cb778008.jpg

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/37/l_096aa4e77c3c41bfa3a2dcc43afdf12f.jpg

Any help much appreciated.

R

Post Edited (2009-01-14 12:58)

Reply To Message

Re: VKS Clarinet

Author: Aprilyn
Date: 2009-01-14 14:42

Interesting clarinet, I thought keys were broken off when I first saw it, does it play well and in tune?

In the Yehudi Menuhin Music Guides 'Clarinet' by Jack Brymer (recommended read) , I found out this bit of information:

From the looks of the keys, it seems to be made into the style of a 13 key (German) clarinet that resembles the features of the Muller clarinet which was used in the early 1800's. Muller's systerm (who was from Russia) was the first system to use a metal ligature, thumb rest and keypads. This is the predecessor of the Oehler system that is still used in Germany.

About the maker 'V Kohlerts Sohne'. I found a thread for you about the history of this company here http://forum.saxontheweb.net/archive/index.php/t-10011.html
I'm guessing that this was made after 1900/1 as the company was taken over by Kohlert's sons when he died that year.

Hope this helps where its from.

Aprilyn

Reply To Message

Re: VKS Clarinet

Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-01-14 17:14

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/14/l_138224c12b83411c9df3446af0bc213d.jpg
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/25/l_5deec661d846411eb40d54c1cb778008.jpg
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/37/l_096aa4e77c3c41bfa3a2dcc43afdf12f.jpg

That's a simple system clarinet.

The side F/C key touch on the top joint has been bent - the two touches should be overlapping with the longer of the two keys (trill key) touchpiece on the top - the key arms should be perfectly straight when viewed from above (apart from the bend in the longer key to clear the F/C key pad cup). Take care if you're bending it back that it doesn't snap off, and don't use a vice or pliers with rough jaws to bend it back with!

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

Post Edited (2009-01-14 17:22)

Reply To Message

Re: VKS Clarinet

Author: Aprilyn
Date: 2009-01-15 13:56

Does a simple system clarinet use similar fingerings to a Boehm system?

That key above the throat A key, is that part the Bb/ register key?

Aprilyn

Reply To Message

Avail. Forums | Threaded View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

The Clarinet Pages

For Sale
Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - ads removed after two weeks.