The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jeff
Date: 2001-01-15 19:51
I've searched this site for information about a clarinet I own and haven't found reference to it yet.
The clarinet is a Conn with serial # 242029 L and a model # 624 N-B.
It's a five piece clarinet that appears to be metal except that it is a rubber clarinet with what seems to be a "silver shell" covering it. The body of the clarinet looks like the size of a regular clarinet with exception of the barrel, which looks like a regular metal clarinet.
Does anyone know anything about this model?
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Author: Amanda Rose
Date: 2001-01-15 20:34
I have no clue. But maybe it is a double body metal clarinet. My brother-the-repair-tech told me about those.
Anybody have a real answer? I sure don't.
Amanda Rose
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Author: drew
Date: 2001-01-15 22:24
Hello Jeff:
From the serial number, your instrument was probably manufactured in 1930. It is a clarinet pitched in Bb (the B), using A=440Hz as a reference (the L). Accordingly it should be usable in any modern band or ensemble.
Your instrument's metal jacketed-hard rubber construction is an unusual combination. I have several Conn catalogs from that period, which I will scan for additional information.
Prior to WWII, Conn was the largest and most well known instrument manufacturer in the USA, and possibly the world. Although their instruments today are often criticized as inferior, the reality is that prior to WWII Conn produced some of the best instruments of their day (just take a look at some of the prices commanded by vintage Conn saxophones - Conn is not as well known for their clarinets, but they made some fine instruments, some of which are highly sought after for big band & jazz purposes). Since the war Conn has been bought and sold several times, and no longer bears much resemblance to the original company.
I'll let you know if I locate additional information. If you have any pictures available, please send them.
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Author: Chris Hill
Date: 2001-01-16 05:35
That is known as an "Armored Clarinet." I own one, and have copies of two advertisements. They were an attempt at a better sounding metal clarinet, and were endorsed by John Philip Sousa in a 1927 letter to Conn which was used in a 1928 advertisement. He ended the letter by saying, "I hope to see this metal clarinet as universally used by players as the metal flute is today."
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