 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: kal
Date: 2004-09-19 04:45
What's the deal?
Has anyone actually played one of these? A friend and I are heading out to an estate auction that has one listed in the catalogue, just out of pure curiosity. I know they often sell for $1000 or more, but is that warranted by their quality as a musical instrument, or is it just a novelty thing? My opinion is leaning more towards the latter, but I'd like to hear from someone who has experience with these. Also, does anyone know if there were different models? I ask because there is actually one listed on everybody's favorite internet auction site that appears to have only 2 body sections, but the one in the estate auction has the usual barrel, 2 joints, and a bell. Any info at all on these would be welcome.
- kal
PS: Just to avoid confusion, I am referring to those clarinets with hard rubber bodies that have been completely "wrapped" in sterling silver, not silverplated brass clarinets...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jim lande
Date: 2004-09-25 04:01
I have not played one, but they are very well made and sold for top dollar back around 1930.
Some of the demand is because there are some folks who collect metal clarinets, some folks who collect clarinets generally and some who specialize in Conn instruments. For all I know, it is desirable as a player, too. Mine needs new pads.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ray
Date: 2004-09-26 01:50
I own one and play it often. I have completely overhauled it. It plays wonderfully, very responsive, and feels very much like a professional clarinet. In fact, the spring tensions are lighter than my R13 and every other clarinet I own or have played.
Mine has a bell permanently affixed to the lower joint. It was made in 1927.
I don't know why, but the clarinet feels small. It is very easy to inadverdantly press on the sliver keys. I have thick fingers but don't have this problem on any other clarinet. I like to play the armored clarinet as a form a discipline to improve the precise placement and movement of my fingers.
I have copies of magazine ads for the clarinet that feature testimonials from prominent band leaders of the time. One leader vows to equip his whole section with the armored clarinet - John Philip Sousa!
It was no novelty - it was intended to be a top quality clarinet.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
