 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jim
Date: 2001-06-02 22:25
Can anyone out there give me help with determining the age and value om B flat Silva-Bet metal clarinet. I have found a list that tells me about serial numbers starting with the letter A. My clarinet starts with S (S 2516). I want to determine if it is worth it to have this clarinet restored/seriously cleaned up/replated/ect...or just clean it up myself as a fun toy to enjoy playing. Thanks in advance for any assistance/direction provided.
Jim
bigboggs@msn.com
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2001-06-03 15:26
Jim - Perhaps my response will kick off more comment. IMHO, the Cundy-Bettoney Silva-Bet is very well worthwhile restoring to playing and cosmetic condition, since to me it was at least among the very best of the metal clarinets of the 1920-40's [?] vintage possibly suitable for concert as well as marching use. If you wish, I can find the patent number of Harry B's S-B pat. C-B did make wood cl's, some of which [like mine] bear USN [avy] marking. As someone suggested, I tried out my H Bettoney mouthpiece and found it to be surprisingly good with my pro LeBlanc cl. Luck, Don
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-06-03 19:04
Sherman Friedland has some info here on Sneezy voicing his opinions on Cundy Bettoney's ... a now-defunct Boston area company. Sherman was from the Boston area and had some familiarity with them, not that his opinion is the final word.
The H Bettoney mouthpieces are ANOTHER issue entirely. In my opinion, you will see more Cundy's for sale SANS MOUTHPIECE for a very _good_ reason.
Best,
mw
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Author: Mike B.
Date: 2001-06-04 05:01
Jim,
The Silva-Bet was one of the best playing metal clarinets ever made. In its time it was considered a pro-model. Even by todays standards, it plays better than a student model and is as good, if not better, as some intermediate wood clarinets.
I currently own three Silva-Bets, one which I play frequently. The sound is big and full, and the tone is very nice. It is not as stuffy as most metal clarinets and it is a real pleasure to play.
I have started some research on these instruments, but have not gotten very far. I am not sure where to go for more info. I believe that Silva-Bets were first introduced around 1928 or 1929. Based on your serial number, I would guess yours was made in the early to mid 1930's. (Please e-mail me if someone knows where I can find more information on Cundy-Bettoney company.)
The value of the instrument would depend on the condition. On eBay the Silva-Bets will usually fetch between $125 and $200 for the normal one-piece models, and much more for the full Boehm version, gold plated model, or the model that separates between the upper and lower section.
In my opinion the Silva-Bet is very much worth restoring. The plating on the Silva-Bet is usually very heavy, so it should not need to be replated. If yours has plating wear, this is an indication that it was played alot. This probably means its a good player. You can use normal bladder pads, but some prefer to use leather pads.
Let us know how it turns out.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2001-06-04 14:26
Jim et al - Since this thread has been of interest, I'll add all I know. Harry B's only US patent I have found is # 1,705,634 [1929] , I have a copy in my archives [boxes]and recall it is specific to the Silva Bet [and perhaps his lesser metals]. I also recall he wrote an number of articles for the 1949-50's Woodwind magazines [have several] , likely describing his approach to cl mfgr. which included woods. Prob. he is mentioned in Rendall, Brymer etc, and possibly in the archived ICA Journals. Will look further myself. Luck, Don
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Author: Wes
Date: 2001-06-09 06:15
The full Boehm Silva Bet that I have seems to be better in tune than the R-13 I normally use. It appears to have a few undercut tone holes near the bottom as well as a few pads with small resonators on them. Strangely enough, I had no desire to purchase it but a down and out alcoholic player said that it was his father's fine instrument and that I should buy it. In maybe 6 months, I'll probably sell it on ebay.
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