The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Debelli
Date: 2006-03-17 16:19
I have an old Conn clarinet that has NORMANDY 17 on the bell with the serial number of C92268.
I got this clarinet when I was in 8th grade, and at that time it was used, so I haven't a clue how old it actually is - 8th grade was, ummm, in '75.
It's been sitting, collecting dust AND the metal is corroding.
Can anyone help me find the date it was manufactured? I have the dark grey hard case and all pieces - I'm sure the cork should be replaced, and the keys need help to clean the oxidation off them.
Thanks for your assistance!
Debbie
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Author: Fred
Date: 2006-03-17 20:09
My first inclination is that the parts are mismatched: A Conn clarinet with a Normandy (LeBlanc) bell. However, I'm not familiar with a Normandy 17 either.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-03-18 20:37
Hi Debbi - I think Fred has pretty well said it, yes, bells can often be mismatched to other's clarinet "bodies" [ U J and L J and barrel], and still be quite playable. Yours sounds like a Conn cl with Norm. bell , and if so look for serial numbers, usually on the back, top/bottom of the joints. They may give us something by which to help you. Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Debelli
Date: 2006-03-18 21:09
Would there be more serial numbers other than the one I already listed (C92268) ?
I had to laugh when you said, "bells can often be mismatched to other's clarinet "bodies" and still be quite playable." I don't think mismatched, or matched, nothing could have made this clarinet quite playable against my lips. I was the demerit queen of my band, and righfully so - I THOUGHT I could play clarinet but I think I squaked more than played!
Thanks for your input guys!
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-03-18 22:24
Dont run yourself down, Debbi, we all squeeked early in our playing careers, prob. a combo of inexperience and a leaky horn. Taking your ser #, it shows at about mid 1922 on my Conn list, but no "C" is included, so ???. I had hoped that there might have been more #s, which identify models as well as dates. I did find that my older C clarinet had a C in its #, so perhaps that is all of it's significance. Other BBoarders, please help. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2006-03-19 00:24
I'm curious about that Normandy 17 statement. I know they at one time had their Normandy, 4, 8, 10 & 12 models. BUt i never heard of a 17. And usually those numbers were marked on the top body piece and not the bell.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2006-03-19 09:41
Yes, it certainly sounds like a mixed breed, but that doesn't mean it is a junker.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Debelli
Date: 2006-03-23 17:20
Thanks for all your input. I have to make a clarification, the bell says CONN 17 and the barrel says Normandy. I double checked the serial and it appears that's right C92268, either that or my eyes are worse than I think - it's really hard to see.
What's the best way to get the green patina off the keys?
THANKS!!!
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