 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2004-04-21 07:46
Hi Folks
I am looking for a bit of information about a Cavalier clarinet which is marked made in China. A search of the Sneezy archives came up with
"Cavalier Pan American Band Instrument Co.". Neither the instrument or case make reference to Pan American or Conn and stencils notoriously do not have their country of origin emblazoned on the bell.
I normally do not repair Chinese made instruments but I made an exception in this case. It is a wooden instrument, grenadilla, and the wood is of better than average quality. I make this observation as a professional instrument repairer. I have seen an awful lot of crappy wood and this instrument is a lot better than most. The upper joint has tenon caps both ends, the bell ring is substantial, the keys are sterling silver plated and all serial numbered. Unusually the left hand F#/C# and E/B pivot on the one rod, the hinge tube of the E/B goes through the F#/C# in the same manner as the jump trill keys. The tone hole chimneys are plastic inserts in the same fashion as the wooden Armstrong 4018. The tone holes without chimneys are chased in the wood without inserts unlike the 4018.
I am surprised that such trouble, and obvious attempts at quality, has been taken by a Chinese instrument maker. Although there is fat chance of dating this instrument accurately it looks like it is late 60's to 70's. I have just done an extensive overhaul and in a few days I will be able to have a play on it. The only other Chinese horn I have seen with fully professional features was a Lark bassoon that had RH thumb rollers, crook lock, LH D/C rollers, a water key on the U-tube etc.. All the features of a top of the line instrument. In this case unfortunately none of the playing qualities. I hold out more hope for the clarinet.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-04-21 15:35
"A Spanish Cavalier stood in his retreat". If I could find my OLD Golden Book of Favorite Songs, there is more! The word as a noun describes " a courtly gentleman skilled in ---", as an adjective, a "deragotory? treatment", of inferiors??. Apparantly, Conn via Pan American used it as a tradename for both metal and wood cls back when, so you may have one of their best models! Made in China??? Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2004-04-24 06:38
Yes made in China. Marked quite prominently on the bell. This is definitely not Pan American or Conn.
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