The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

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

Previous Message | Next Message

RE: Antique Clarinet?

Author: Dee
Date: 1999-09-21 04:29

This is probably one of the clarinets that Conn made from laminated wood very similar to plywood but with enough layers to make a "log" so that they could turn a clarinet out of it. Most were stained a reddish color. Due to the effect of cutting across the laminations, the wood often *appeared* to have a very pretty grain pattern, especially in the bell (the flared section at the bottom of the horn). I don't know what particular wood they used to make the laminated logs but it was not grenadilla or cherry.

Conn was attempting to make a sturdy, crack resistant, student grade clarinet out of inexpensive materials. Unfortunately they failed as they had problems with the lamination process and the end product was MORE prone to cracking than standard wooden clarinets. Very few are left since they suffered such serious cracking problems.

If you have one of these it is very difficult to assess the value of it. To look at, they are physically very beautiful. But their overall construction (not just the laminated wood) was not of very good quality and they had serious problems with intonation. One in perfect playing condition with NO cracks sold on eBay for around $300 due to its physical beauty and the rarity of an uncracked horn. However one would not dare risk playing it. Less perfect specimens have sold on eBay for under $50, which is consistent with what other used Conn student horns of a similar age typically end up fetching on the auction.

Polish it up and hang it on the wall.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics