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Re: Stradivari & Denner

Author: dubrosa22
Date: 2016-08-26 02:06

Clarinets before around 1830 were usually made of Boxwood which while it was the hardest common European wood available at the time (and very pretty - especially after many years of use and/or acid staining) sadly it isn't very stable and thus warps greatly.

Unlike violins, clarinets are put under constant moisture attack when played so they don't survive time well.

So most clarinets (and flutes and other woodwinds) made before the middle of the 19th century are quite warped and too delicate to play (there are exceptions of course but they are rare). This is why exotic woods like Cocuswood and Grenadilla became popular - stability.

As for their value compared with Strads, I think it is just a trend that is truly exceptional. Really no other instrument is regarded so highly in value as a Stradivarius violin. However, an exceptional condition Denner, Mueller, Klose or early Buffet instrument would all command quite good prices no doubt, just not in the millions of dollars range!

Anthony Baines' "Woodwind Instruments & Their History" is a wonderful read and recommended for the history of all woodwinds and their developments.

V

Post Edited (2016-08-30 03:11)

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