 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: allynn777
Date: 2012-02-21 21:57
I recently found a metal clarinet and I can not seem to find any specific information on it. The bell has the inscription "Jules Gerard" with some decorative leaves above and below it. The patent number is 1.705,634 and serial number (I'm assuming) is P8082. Also the number 82 is stamped on the underside of some of the keys. It's all one piece except for the barrel and mouthpiece. There's also a B flat stamped on the front underneath the patent number. I have no idea what kind of metal it is, but all the keys are in working condition and only a couple pads had to be replaced. I've tried to play it, granted it's been 5 years so I'm a little out of shape, and I can get sound but it's really airy (and really difficult), but I don't know if it's just me being out of shape or if it's a problem with the clarinet. I've tried doing some history but the patent number keeps coming up with a different clarinet, the H. Bettoney. Is it possible for different clarinet makers to have the same patent number? Any information would be very helpful!
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2012-02-21 22:21
At one time there were many brand names that metal clarinets were sold under and most were stencils (made to be a store's "house brand" by another company). It will be difficult to impossible to tell who actually made your clarinet as it is almost certainly a stencil.
In any case the unfortunate reality is that the vast majority of metal clarinets are student quality instruments at best. Chances are that the instrument needs some repair work to be put in playing condition (it is likely at least 60 years old). In most cases it is not really worth investing money into one of these unless you know it is a good quality instrument as the student models are generally worth <$100.
You can find more information here: http://www.silver-clarinet.com/
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Author: mvjohnso
Date: 2012-02-21 23:48
They make good lamps if/ when you get fed up with the novelty of them, fyi.
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Author: jim lande
Date: 2012-02-28 04:43
I have seen a couple on eBay and yes, that is the Bettoney patent -- suggesting that Bettoney actually made the instrument. At one time Bettoney was the largest maker of clarinets in the country and they offered many models of metal clarinets. I have seen one Jules Gerard with albert system keywork. My notes say that the keywork looked pretty good and I think that Bettoney sold Columbia model metal clarinets with serial numbers starting with a P. Chances are this is one of the better student models. Once restored, it may play as well as modern student models. Of course, the price of a rebuild likely would approach the cost of buying a student model new. One problem with getting a rebuild is that many techs have never worked on a metal clarinet and assume that they won't sound good. That is not a recipe for good quality work.
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