 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Jim22
Date: 2012-08-15 02:24
I have just picked up a clarinet "project" at a second hand store, and I was hoping to learn something about the manufacturer and when it was made. Here are some photos:
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r518/craneji/Bay%20State%20Clarinet/Upper_Side.jpg
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r518/craneji/Bay%20State%20Clarinet/Bell.jpg
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r518/craneji/Bay%20State%20Clarinet/case_ext.jpg
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r518/craneji/Bay%20State%20Clarinet/case_int.jpg
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r518/craneji/Bay%20State%20Clarinet/Lower_Front.jpg
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r518/craneji/Bay%20State%20Clarinet/Lower_Side.jpg
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r518/craneji/Bay%20State%20Clarinet/reeds.jpg
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r518/craneji/Bay%20State%20Clarinet/Serial_No.jpg
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r518/craneji/Bay%20State%20Clarinet/Upper_Front.jpg
The bell is marked "Bay State". There is a serial number on the lower joint only, 53823. I have not removed the keys yet, but have found no other markings on any piece, including the mouthpiece.
I think the body is plastic or rubber. It seems like this should be obvious, but I'm having a hard time telling.
I have included photos of the case, and an interesting box of reeds that was inside. Maybe that will provide a clue about the last time it was played.
This will be the second clarinet I am attempting to repad. There is one challenge on this one: there is an awful lot of horizontal play in the RH ring key rod at the pivot screws.
Thanks for your consideration. I am enjoying the bboard. -- Jim
Jim C.
CT, USA
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: chris moffatt
Date: 2012-08-15 13:54
'Bay State' was a trade-name of the Oliver Ditson company of Boston, MA. That was a large music house from the 1880s to 1930s. No indication who made their clarinets.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-08-15 14:22
The key guide just for the top trill key is like my Pedler, so it could be a Pedler stencil. The keywork looks pretty crude.
Ciccone Symmetricut reeds were common when I began playing in the mid-50s. As I recall (it's a long time ago), they were a small step up from the brown-box Ricos.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jim22
Date: 2012-08-17 15:27
I just cleaned the body in cool water with a little oil soap and got a slightly dull, greenish finish, so I conclude it must be hard rubber. Its in really good shape if its really 80 years old! I found a metal tin of micro cork grease in the case which I think I will not use. The case looks a lot like a selmer case. I am wondering if it's a selmer stencil possibly with an older bay state bell. I have pads on order.
Jim C.
CT, USA
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jim22
Date: 2012-08-25 03:46
I finished the repad and got it to play. The keywork is definitely not great, but it's getting better. There are some heavy springs and some light ones. The bridge was pretty bent. Key venting was all over the place. The needle springs are literally blued needles, complete with very sharp conical points (ouch!). It doesn't have nearly the sound of my malerne wood stencil, but I have not tried it with the same mouthpiece I have been playing. The biggest problem now is the B/E adjustment. The two alternate keys seem to want different adjustments. It feels nice to revive an old instrument, though.
Jim C.
CT, USA
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
