 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: #188 Isak
Date: 2007-02-07 14:34
Hi!
I recently purchased a soprano clarinet (Malerne Artist) at a second-hand shop for ca 63 USD. The instrument plays quite nice, though in need of an overhaul (repadding, cleaning, etc). It also came with a mouthpiece, 5RV lyre (wich is in great condition).
The instrument seems quite old, the guy behind the counter reckoned perhaps 30-40 years, but he didn't really know.
Does anyone have any information on this instrument. When the model was manufactured, it's value, beginner/intermediate etc? Also any recommendations for other mouthpieces, reeds and ligatures would be great. The instrument is to be used for jazz.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2007-02-07 17:58
I've never heard of a Malerne "Artist." The standard models are STANDARD, INTERMEDIATE, and PROFESSIONAL (with all the assigned stars, whatever they are).
Malernes can be good - maybe not the choice of a symphony principal, but good-playing. They were sold in the U.S. in department store catalogues!
Malerne worked with an instrument maker called "Lebret" for a time. Also, there is some relationship with SML; possibly that SML bought the Malerne factory. I'd say the era for these clarinets was 1940s and 1950s, but, again, I've never heard of the "Artist" model so maybe yours is much older.
Good luck with it!
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: #188 Isak
Date: 2007-02-07 21:49
OK, thanks! I didn't the clarinet could actually be that old. Has anyone heard of the 'Artist' brand before?
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-02-07 21:58
Back in the early days 1920-50's, Penzel-Mueller had a cl model named Artist, I believe my good friend in comm band has one, will ask. BUT, its such a commonplace name, prob. not "trade-named" legally , so its likely available to any maker. Ask Dave Spieg. who know much of Malerne. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-02-08 07:50
The name 'Artist' is seen on several Malerne and SML built oboes and cors - eg. Lafleur Artist, Louis Artist, Lucerne Artist, etc. Even though Louis were building pro oboes and clarinets between the wars, the name was acquired by B&H and stamped on cheaper imports.
Though my oboe teacher's oboe is stamped Lucerne Artist, it's exactly the same instrument as any Marigaux from the early '70s, and even came with a Marigaux case and cover.
Maybe that's a name Malerne/SML used and put on their stencil models to designate them as pro quality instruments as opposed to the student ones imported or made by B&H or whoever distributed them.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-02-08 15:26
According to Jack Linton, for whose father Malerne stencilled clarinets from around 1960 -72, Malerne ceased operations in the early 70's when Robert Malerne died. No successor could be found to carry on the business. AFAIK, the only relationship between Malerne and SML was that SML bought the Malerne factory in 1975 from Malerne's heirs. The only Malerne models I have seen were "Professional," "Intermediate," and "Standard" but Malerne operated for a long time and there certainly could have been other models. My Malerne Professional dates from around 1955-56 when the three above models were being made. If I had to guess, and it would be just a guess, I would guess that the Artist model came later, perhaps toward the end of the company's life. That would make the store owner's estimate of 30-40 years about right. A number of different manufacturers have used "Artist" or some variant of the word as a model name. Usually it has designated a higher-end model in their line.
In the condition yours is in, in the open market (read eBay), the instrument is worth about what you paid for it. If yours is like mine, it will prove a perfectly serviceable, if unremarkable, instrument.
Best regards,
jnk
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