The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: thereallukasj
Date: 2018-01-06 23:47
I have a manual double register V. Kohlert and Sons bass clarinet keyed to low e. It has a hand scribed serial # of 7399. It has an engraved bell reading "V. Kohlert's, Sons Graslitz Czechoslovakia"
On the top joint it reads "L.P. V. Kohlert Sons Makers Grazlitz Czecho-Slovakia". I have gotten an estimate that it was from the early 30's and one saying it was from between 1900-1910. I am curious if anyone on the board would have a more accurate guess or confirm either of my estimates.
Thanks,
Lukas Johnson
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2018-01-07 19:48
My guess is 1920s or earlier. From what I've seen, by the 1930s Kohlert bass clarinets had range to low-Eb and double automatic register vent systems.
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Author: MichaelW
Date: 2018-01-07 19:53
See also:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=371069&t=370856
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=394584&t=394561
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Author: thereallukasj
Date: 2018-01-08 01:53
Thanks David, I was hoping you would see this post since you are a big Kohlert fan. Ive been searching a lot to try and find some answers and im only seeing this bass to low Eb and with an automatic double register mech. Thanks for the links Michael ive checked those both over. Its also interesting because (it wont let me post a picture) there is some interesting "character" in the wood because it goes from the dark grenadilla to a lighter color for a rather large section of the horn that is more boxwood or cocobolo colored. This would never pass by todays standards but obviously it was ok back then. Whoever was cutting the billet was probably cutting close to the outside of the heart of the tree and the wood changed for a few inches. Anyways would you have any guesses on the value of the horn? It actually plays quite nicely but would definately need some work. The horn would not have much modern playability value because the manual register keys are difficult to operate but if I could get a price guess that would be nice.
Thanks,
Lukas Johnson
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Author: smokindok
Date: 2018-01-08 04:52
I suppose it is obvious, but I will say it anyway. If it is engraved "Czechoslovakia, it would have to be made after Oct. 28, 1918.
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Author: thereallukasj
Date: 2018-01-08 06:47
Just curious do Kohlert serial numbers differ from clarinets to saxophones or do they use different systems? I found a serial # chart for saxophones (i think).
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Author: thereallukasj
Date: 2018-01-08 06:58
This is from the timeline for V. Kohlert Sons at clarinetpages.com. I realize that Czechoslovakia was not a country till 1918 but its confusing that the data on clarinet pages conflicts this. I have included below the first date on the timeline from clarinetpages.com. The plot thickens!
Timeline 1840: The Kohlert Company was founded in Graslitz, Czechoslovakia by Vincenz Ferarius Kohlert. However, he did not produce any saxophones.
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Author: smokindok
Date: 2018-01-08 07:42
My guess would be that the timeline listed the country Graslitz was located in at the time of the creation of the timeline, simply as an aid to understanding the location of the city.
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