Author: Klarnetisto
Date: 2013-10-25 13:16
(Uh oh, here he goes out on his limb again):
Look on auction sites for a used Cundy-Bettoney metal Eb clarinet. These turn up regularly. Many were made for the US military, so would have US, or USN (Navy) or USQMC (Quartermasters Corps) stamped on the bell.
I know that metal clarinets have a bad reputation. But this only applies to a number of mass-produced student models -- e.g. C-B's own Three Star and its innumerable stencils. In reality, most respected instrument makers produced metal clarinets in professional models to the same specs as their pro wooden ones, with the advantage that they'll never warp of crack.
Military winds from the 1940-50s are no-frills pro-quality. In the case of this Eb (and similar CB Bbs) this means excellent musical quality, but a plain sliding barrel (not a telescoping one) and a one-piece body, but the same musical performance as their high end Silva-Bet. Of course, if a proper Silva-Bet Eb comes up (probably without the military logo on the bell), snatch it up as fast as you can, as this would be a real honey! I have a Silva-Bet A, and I find it to be fully as good as my Selmer Bb full-Boehm (also metal!).
I got my Eb about 20 years ago, and immediately fell in love with its beautiful, big & rich tone and excellent response and intonation. Mine came with a Vandoren 2RV mouthpiece (no longer made), which seems to serve it very well; I've not tried another mp on it yet.
A Facebook friend got one of these CB metal Ebs on my recommendation, promptly had it overhauled, and now is thrilled with it!
I recommend this not only because I have one and am happy with it in every way, but especially because these can be found well within the budget you have in mind, typically $200-500. It would normally need an overhaul, in which case I could recommend the tech that did my Facebook friend's.
The only disadvantage with this metal clarinet is that your less open-minded colleagues may look askance at you...!
Klarnetisto
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The Clarinet BBoard
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