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Author: John
Date: 2000-02-09 16:58
I have found an older wood clarinet. Possibly in key of "A" due to the longer length as compared to a B flat model. The only identification on the horn is near the top of the upper joint. It is a very small stamping "made in france". The unique item of this horn is that the B flat/upper register key spirals around from the back of the horn to approx. 11:00 o'clock position at the front. It uses a standard set of replacement pads.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2000-02-09 17:29
John wrote:
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I have found an older wood clarinet. Possibly in key of "A" due to the longer length as compared to a B flat model. The only identification on the horn is near the top of the upper joint. It is a very small stamping "made in france". The unique item of this horn is that the B flat/upper register key spirals around from the back of the horn to approx. 11:00 o'clock position at the front. It uses a standard set of replacement pads.
John -
"Made in France" is not enough information to identify the instrument. However, the wraparound register key definitely indicates an old instrument.
A trademark is the best thing to find. On the old instruments, it may not appear on the lower joint, but it would definitely appear on the bell and the upper joint, above the throat A key. Hold the instrument up near a lamp or window, so that the light shines diagonally on the wood but not into your eyes, and look for an almost worn away trademark. If you see anything at all, it can be made a little clearer by rubbing it with a damp paper towel. If it's filled in with crud, try cleaning it with a damp toothbrush.
Good luck. Let us know if you find anything.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-02-10 19:22
I agree with Ken, the register key prob. dates it to 1910-20 or earlier, Made if FR, prob. intended to be a "stencilled" clar. to be sold in US, as many have been [even now?]. Don
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Author: Mark P.
Date: 2000-02-12 00:22
Don,
Don't mean to disagree with you, but I have a 1937 Downbeat with a Buffet clarinet ad that has a wrap around register key.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-02-12 15:35
No problem, Mark, I am reminded that "all generalizations are false, including this present one"!! I also recall my good-buddy cl'ist plays his wrap-around which at least looks much newer than 1910-20!! Dont even know the make! Don
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Author: John
Date: 2000-02-18 03:53
Thanks for the information. However I still can find no other markings other than the "MADE IN FRANCE" on the upper joint near the barrel. When I disassembled the lower joint keys I did find a marking looking like an "O" with a number 2 below it. There is nothing looking like a trademark. The keys appear to be plated and they polished up very nice.
Let me know if anything else comes to mind regarding this horn.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-02-18 12:09
With so little information, it simply isn't possible to identify the instrument. There were hundreds of small companies making clarinets at the time.
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