Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2019-04-21 00:28
I have seen a few "N" prefixes on B&H clarinets, mostly from the 50s, and have a theory that it signified some small "modification" from standard.
One I have has a special link between the C#/G# key to close the LH ring 2 key and enable a clever Db-Eb trill. It has no negative features that I can see and wonder why B&H didn't incorporate it into standard practice.
My first clarinet was an brand new Emperor #85xxx from 1953. This instrument was an EXACT copy of the Imperial, even down to the forging marks on many keys, and the clarinet was fitted with rod screws throughout, not a point screw in sight. This was exactly what the Imperials had (in common with the 1010s) for a few years during the 1950s until B&H reverted to fitting point screws again. I suspect the reason was that Imperials were widely used in military bands, where they suffered a harder life. Knocking a key with a point screw caused minimal problems and was easy to fix. Bend a key fitted with rods and it will almost invariably bind, and also be harder to repair.
The only difference between that Emperor and an Imperial of same vintage I possessed, was in the key plating, Nickle vs Silver. Plus, although my warranty card was signed off by Bryan Manton-Myatt, I suspect he did rather more fine tuning work on the Imperials. The cost difference was £30 vs £55 in 1954.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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