 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2014-02-02 06:42
Attachment: MVC-881S.JPG (50k)
Here is a photo of my set of H Bettoney Silva Bet silver clarinets. The A (S32XX) says Pat Pending and the Bb (S51XX) has the patent number. Just finished a total restoration. The Bb has all cork pads on the upper and tan leather pads on the lower and the A has all tan leather pads except the register key which is cork. They both play in tune due to the adjustable barrels which both work perfectly.
Absolutely no plating loss or dents and just a few small scratches that are not even detectable. Interestingly the A was the primary instrument and so the Bb is almost new. Formerly owned by a Jazz artist who purchased these in the 1960's. Still have not been able to find the exact year of manufacture for either instrument.
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2014-02-02 07:37
Those are gorgeous horns!
I have a Bettoney metal e flat clarinet marked USN (US Military-issue, in this case Navy) that is essentially a Silva-Bet (including the patent number) without the telescoping barrel. It restored amazingly well and plays wonderfully in tune. I play it for outdoor gigs or when I temperatures (e.g., polar vortexes) make it risky to transport and/or use my wooden eefer.
I also recently acquired a similar Bettoney metal B flat clarinet marked USN that is also a Silva Bet without the telescoping barrel. That one is waiting to be refurbished, but I hope that it plays as well as the eefer does.
Good luck. The metal Bettoneys are such nice horns and so much fun to play!
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Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2014-02-02 12:18
I love the added volume and stability due to the metal and the no crack factor.
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2014-02-02 19:09
Ray Adams, principal of the Allentown Band, played one , for many years. He had a great timbre.
richard smith
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Author: slickam
Date: 2014-02-08 11:32
Those look much nicer than the Bb I have. Mine is a single piece body with a much simpler logo on the bell, a duller finish (except on the non-telescoping barrel), and scratches on the bell. It does have a nice tone though, and with the price I paid ($100 on that auction site) I can't really complain.
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