 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kthln.hnsn
Date: 2013-06-17 02:54
I recently acquired a Bb clarinet with "Artist" stamped on the bell but nowhere else on the instrument. It is made of wood and all pieces appear to match. The top of the upper joint and lower joint are stamped with the number 6308. It has an offset G/C hole. I was wondering if anyone had any information or have ever heard of this brand? I will post pictures when I have access to a camera.
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Author: Eric V
Date: 2013-06-17 04:39
Hi kthln,
I had one like that bought from Montgomery Ward around 1969, seemed like a decent french instrument, perhaps Malerne, stenciled for the department store.
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Author: kthln.hnsn
Date: 2013-06-17 18:45
Thank you for your reply, Eric! That helps solve that mystery I attached a couple photos of the clarinet in case anyone else may have some information on this particular clarinet. With a decent mouthpiece it sounds pretty good, a little too bright for my taste but it still sounds good.
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Author: Barry Vincent
Date: 2013-06-17 19:26
I had on loan from one of my students a similar 'stenciled' Clarinet but it was called Artcraft. One of the things I notice about these old Clarinets is the density of the wood. It has real 'heft'. Gets you thinking that the modern wood Clarinets are made of an inferior, less dense wood because this material is being depleted. Perhaps you'd get a Clarinet made of this more denser wood if you paid , say , $6000 for it. Perhaps.
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Author: kthln.hnsn
Date: 2013-06-18 04:51
That's a very good point Barry. I can tell a difference between the Artist vs. my much much newer Buffet in the wood! And I would say the Artist does sound better than the more expensive Buffet. I guess that goes to show maybe newer isn't always better?? I also just bought an Evette & Schaeffer Bb serial number 93XX and it sounds better than some newer R13s even though it would probably be considered an intermediate by today's standards.
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2013-06-19 02:14
Kalee, I don't know anything about the Artist clarinet, but your question reminded me about buying musical instruments back in the 60s.
I didn't realize that Montgomery Wards sold clarinets, but it doesn't surprise me.
I was a Boy Scout back then, and my parents bought me a bugle from Sears for about $8.95 (I used it to earn the bugling merit badge). Did Sears also sell clarinets?
As a beginner, my parents were quite enthusiastic. My father really wanted to be helpful, and he looked at every possible source of clarinets. He had access to a Bennett Brothers catalog (they're still around, but I'm not sure if the company deals with the general public), and he seriously considered buying one of their clarinets named the "Benetone." My teacher had some doubts, so I ended up with an Evette instead that turned out to be a decent instrument.
I guess there are still a few old Benetones out there, and I found this old discussion: http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=10656&t=10656
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