 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2005-11-10 02:18
OK -- here's another survey question:
What is the oldest clarinet you own?
Is it playable?
(My senior clarinet is a 1926 Buffet professional instrument. It is very playable -- a delight, actually -- but has an uneven scale.)
Susan
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Author: clarinetist04
Date: 2005-11-10 02:36
Mine aren't that old but my former teacher had a bunch from the late 1800s and one from the 1840s. No, I wouldn't dare try to play it.
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Author: larryb
Date: 2005-11-10 02:36
Selmer K - A Clarinet - from late 1920s, I suspect.
Quite playable.
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2005-11-10 03:07
Haha, 1966 Selmer Bundy. It was my dad's. It's still playable, but I wouldn't recommend playing it.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-11-10 03:09
Circa 1900 Jerome Thibouville-Lamy (JTL) full-Boehm "A" clarinet, with waparound register key and "doughnut" key, looks like brand new and plays beautifully (although pitch is slightly low for current work, seems to tune around A-438 most comfortably).
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Author: ron b
Date: 2005-11-10 03:33
Good question, Suzan. I thought about this after browsing the many responses to the 'your first horn' thread... glad you asked.
Since most of my personal clarinets are Alberts, I don't know of a reliable means of dating them. Three metal Alberts are probably at least pre-1930. My only low-pitch Simple System (unmarked) has a nice even scale at A=440 -- anyone's guess is as good as mine how old it is, but likely around turn of the century, 1890-19xx? Only four, maybe five, of my old horns have numbers on them and that's almost meaningless as far as I've been able to find out. A Carl Fischer Eefer (albert) was headed for the dumpster when I snagged it from a local repair shop. It was totally encased in green latex paint and the barrel was missing.
I am not a "collector" by any stretch. My pleasure in my instruments is playing them. Because I also repair woodwinds as a part time retirement endeavor, all of my instruments are in good playing condition.
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: Merlin
Date: 2005-11-10 05:00
My most frequently played clarinet is a Selmer 10S bought new in 1978, but I do have a hard rubber Noblet A clarinet with a wraparound register key which I'm sure is from the first half of the 20th century.
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Author: susieray
Date: 2005-11-10 05:35
My oldest clarinet is a 1911 Buffet in A which I use with a Grabner cocobolo barrel. Really a nice old horn.
Sue
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-11-10 12:36
Somewhat like RonB, I cant really date some 6 pre-1900 and "turn of the century" Albert-Mullers, . Prob. the elder citizen is about 1850, a "salt-spoon" German type or a 2-ringer with metal tone hole inserts, barely playable. Have an old 8 keyed flute, and a German cor anglaise [English Horn] which may also be as early as 1850. Plan to give it to the Fiske Museum, Claremont Colleges, Al Rice, before long. Other collectors, please comment, I'm sure many have very early boxwoods, ivory- ringed. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: graham
Date: 2005-11-10 13:00
My oldest are also the ones I play on regularly, namely a pair of "Martels" stamped "Hawkes & Son, Excelsior Sonorous Class". Not possible to date them, but I imagine between 1900 and 1914.
They were made to play sharper than A = 440 but not by much, so they can be played at that pitch though it would be better at 442.
If you want to hear this model played by Keith Puddy in an orchestra of instruments from that period then buy a CD of the New Queens Hall Orchestra. They have just released a live performance of Brahms 2.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2005-11-10 15:07
I have a English-style 5-key boxwood Bb clarinet at 440, by the American maker Peloubet, which hung on the wall in Charlie Ponte's music store for many years. I dated it to the first third of the 19th century by matching the workshop location printed below the trademark with the information in Langwill. It's quite playable, but I don't have the right mouthpiece (which has to have a long tenon that goes the entire length of the barrel). I haven't followed up because period instrument players have pretty much settled on 430 or perhaps 427 for classical instruments.
I have a Bb/A Buffet pair from 1908 with wraparound register keys, restored to excellent playing condition by Peter Spriggs.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Jhall
Date: 2005-11-10 15:26
My oldest clarinet is a Buffet from the mid-1890s. It has the wrap around register key and a doughnut key. Very light, delicate sound. My daughter plays it more than I do - it fits her hands better.
I have a B flat/A set of Albert (I can't spell the real name) Buffets with wooden Buffet mouthpiece. No playing on these, I can't retrain my fingers that much.
My daughter also plays on my R-13 from 1969. I gave it up so I could play my new R-13 (2002). Finally, silver keys! I am so spoiled
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Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 2005-11-10 15:37
I'll have to go look for identifying marks, but my oldest appears to be a non-playable pre-Albert system that I would guess to be about a hundred years old.
As I have mentioned on here before, an elderly gentleman who attends my church probably would have everyone here beat. He has a boxwood clarinet that one of his ancestors played in front of Generals Washington and Lafayette. As I recall, the tenons are wrapped in red thread and the rings at the joints may be ivory. (It's been a few years since I've seen it.)
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Author: Alphie
Date: 2005-11-10 16:07
My oldest is a Heinrich Grenser C-clarinet from the first decade of 1800s, originally with 9 keys. Three keys have been added later. I also have a Grenser/Wiesner Bb with 13 keys, originally 12 keys, you can tell from the wooden mounting of the keys. LH3 F key has a brass saddle.
They play beautifully and I've used them for more than 20 years in numerous concerts and recordings.
Alphie
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2005-11-10 16:22
I've got an ancient Buffet Albert system Grenadilla.
Also a rosewood C-pitch Albert system of unknown brand/date.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Bill
Date: 2005-11-10 17:35
I have a one-star-up, one-star-below Hawkes & Son "Excelsior Sonorous Class" simple system clarinet that has got to be quite old.
My oldest *playable* clarient is Selmer Paris L296, a pre-B.T. that was restored by John Butler.
Bill.
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Author: joannew
Date: 2005-11-10 19:25
A pair of boxwood & ivory French instruments with 6 brass keys, the C by D Noblet Ainé (with a smiley sunshine stamp) and the Bb anonymous, but identical in construction. Early-mid 1800s - maybe someone with a Langwell on hand can help me narrow down the date for the Noblet.
Both are in nice playing condition and have a lovely sound, but of course need some coaxing to play reasonably in tune. The C is at 440, the Bb (unfortunately) at 450. These are both quite new to me, and I've been having a great time getting to know them.
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Author: Kalakos
Date: 2005-11-11 06:51
Hi:
The one I play all the time (98%) is an about 1885 C Buffet simple system.
The second is an 1897 A Buffet Albert.
The newest is a 2005 G Amati Albert. (The only new clarinet I've ever bought.)
Kalakos
Kalakos Music
http://www.TAdelphia.com
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2005-11-11 08:04
I have a original 5 keyed English clarinet dated between 1790-1800. It's a Milhouse instrument I think.
Peter Cigleris
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-11-11 12:27
Probably my Basset Horn - an old ring keyed Selmer (serial number 879), still awaiting various keywork modifications.
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2005-11-11 13:44
1929 or so Selmer K.
Great sound, not as great intonation.
Player needs to be very aware of intonaton "correction".
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-11-11 13:50
Oh yeah - the dreaded INTONATION!
I forgot about that aspect of early Selmers - incredibly sharp lower register, and from low E downwards (on my basset horn) it's hit and miss, but good sound and response generally.
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Author: Neil
Date: 2005-11-12 02:15
My main horn is my Dad's ca. 1928 crack-repaired stencil. Still plays great.
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Author: Bnewbs
Date: 2005-11-16 20:58
The oldest horn I own is the back up to my 1980 10G. Its 1972 Buffet-Evette E12 master model (like an E13 with a different logo). plays better than most of the new R-13's I have tried, no complaints except the 12ths are pretty bad. I also have an old kohlert alto clarinet, I cant find an exact date, but my best guess is 60's-70's. Nothing too exciting I guess
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Author: super20dan
Date: 2005-11-16 23:08
oldest -is a conn hardrubber in c albert sys circa 1900 . oldest bohem -selmer k model -1920,s
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Author: Wes
Date: 2005-11-18 07:19
An 1889 Buffet simple system clarinet I own has a sound to die for but unfortunately it is HP. I also have a Isador Lot conical wooden Boehm ring model flute with a pitch level of 431 or so, probably from 1850 or 1860. Also on hand is a Cloos Db piccolo at 440 with only a few keys, probably from late 1800s. There is also a Buffet oboe/EH set from about 1898, simple systems.
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Author: William
Date: 2005-11-18 14:31
An old Penzel-Mueller Bb given to me last weekend. It came in an old black double case and appears to be a Albert system although I am not sure of this because of a complete set of rings and roller little finger keys--however, no thumb ring, just the hole. Articulated G# as well, I think. It is currently sitting in our repair facility where it is being put into "playing condition"--about a $100 is the estimate. Can't wait to see how it plays, although I will most likely never use it on a gig. Too bad the companion A did not also come with it. I may use the case with my modern clarinets someday just to be "retro" or something--this old style double case is a real keeper!!
And NO, it will not become a lamp.................
AHA!! Just "Goggled" my clarnet and it is a 5 piece improved Albert system similar to the ones shown at this site:
http://www.new-orleans-delight.dk/Sidste%20nyt/George%20Lewis%20Penzel-Myller.html
Post Edited (2005-11-18 14:41)
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Author: Jobsys
Date: 2005-11-19 09:59
My oldest is an A clarinet which is marked "Brevette A Marzoli a Paris".
I think it must have been made by Angelo Marzoli who worked with Triebert in the 1860's makikng oboes and bassoons (Marzoli was a professional bassonist).
It is a boehm system with strange looking "pie" shaped keys - playable but not seriously.
I also have a Buffet A which according to its number dates from 1906. Has a wrap round register key and plays like a dream (mainly Mozart).
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2005-11-19 11:18
My current one is a 1957 wooden Martin. My other current one is a hard rubber stencil ("Chabot"), no idea about the age.
And on its way is a 19$ "Whitehall" from ebay. Wonder what and how that one will be...
--
Ben
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-11-19 12:53
Many TKS, William, for the P-M link, a fine showing of the ?final improvements? to the Albert-Muller clarinet, the next step was prob. to the Boehm 17/6 [or more]. Mine is a 20/7 FB 1910-20??, and I gave an earlier 20/7 [ it had rollers on the long keys] to my good pro cl f[r]iend. I have a couple of old mps, the orig. long case, and another friend still plays his 1940's? 17/6 in our comm band. Don.
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Grant
Date: 2005-11-19 22:17
My wife I have joint ownereship of a Bettoney Silver Bell e-fer serial# A181 stamped USOMC. I have no idea of its age but would welcome any educated guess or opinion. It stll plays I can get up to alt. G with no problems. I would like to get it overhauled but don't have the cash.The barrel doesn't look like the original It has some flat notes in the upper clarion but it is still fun.
Peace on Earth and May You always have a reed that PLAYS.
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2005-11-20 09:59
A Muhlfeld Eb from g-d knows when but probably 1840's 1850's. Kohlert serial number 29, Bb probably 1870, the year they started manufacture of clarinets. Bb and A pair Barrett Action Boosey and Co.'s from 1931. All fully functional.
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Author: bass9396
Date: 2005-12-01 00:03
I play a ~1928 (their records are not specific in this period) Selmer Paris A Clarinet and a ~1960(once again records are not specific) Leblanc (I think it was the 400 series back then) Paris Bass Clarinet.
Both in magnificent condition.
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Author: dennisa
Date: 2005-12-05 02:18
Hi everyone! I play on a american selmer cl200 between 74 and 76 years old. Also, while I am on the subject can anyone tell me the original value or quality level of this instrument?
Post Edited (2005-12-05 02:19)
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Author: acdcgraphics.com
Date: 2005-12-05 17:32
I have a 1925 Kohlert Eb Sopranino Clarinet. It is a beautiful sounding little horn, I also have a Bb Soprano Leblanc Normandy Special marked made in Paris, it's from the 50's but I do not have a specific year. It's another nice one, both are grenadilla/German silver keys.
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