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Bass Clarinet Neck Piece

Author: Terry
Date: 2002-02-04 02:02

I purchased a used Bundy bass clarinet for my daughter about a year ago. Based on the serial number it was made between 1913 and 1914. My question about the neck is, it has an opening in the top curve with a metal plug that can be removed. Do you know what this is for? Also, the mouth piece that came with the instrument is a Steelite Ebonite brand. Can you give me any information on this brand?

Thanks,
Terry

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RE: Bass Clarinet Neck Piece

Author: mike
Date: 2002-02-04 06:39

Are you sure about those dates? I didn't realize that the Bundy existed that long ago. According to the histories I've read, Bundy first started making resonite intruments under the "Bundy" brand in 1948. You're not, perchance, looking at one of the Buescher/Bundy serial number lists? These pertain only to saxophones. (Selmer bought out the Buescher company in 1963 and turned to Buescher Aristocrat into the Selmer Bundy and the Buecsher 400 into the Selmer Signet.) If the instrument is wood, it may predate that, but if its plastic or resonite, its probably post 1948.

Does the "plug" look original or something that was added in? During the 1960's a lot of instruments were modified for a microphone pickup by braizing a small tube onto the neck. When the mic wasn't being used, you put the plug back in.
Its possible that someone modifed the neck for such a rig.

You see a lot of saxes that have undergone this operation (some came with it, some were added in), but I've never seen a bass clarinet modified in this manner.

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