 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: MMB95
Date: 2023-01-26 17:19
I have always been interested in the alto clarinet and might have an opportunity to purchase an Olds USA alto clarinet. I can find virtually nothing about this instrument online. The instrument itself appears to be plastic or hard rubber and also seems to be mechanically and cosmetically in good shape. Since I've never played another alto before, I have nothing to compare it to in regards to how it plays, but I can get a sound out of it. Some notes are pretty stuffy/fuzzy/buzzy like chalumeau C and D. It sounds like a student horn to me but again, I have no comparison.
My best guess based on what I've been able to discern about the Olds brand is that this is a Chinese instrument with the Olds USA name put onto it. But I have no idea how old it is or what its design intention was. Maybe a student model? Literally the only place I'm seeing what may be this instrument is on this Korean website which lists it as an advanced student model:
http://accmusic.co.kr/product/올드-알토-클라리넷-no51/6863/
I don't know if the one I'm testing is a model NO51, though. Anyway, just wanted to see if anyone knows anything at all about Olds alto clarinets. Thanks!
Post Edited (2023-01-28 19:00)
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2023-01-26 17:37
Some pictures of the actual instrument would help in identifying it.
But I will say that some good life advice I've received about buying expensive things (instruments, cars, houses, etc.) is that you should never just buy the first one you come across. Alto clarinets are fairly common and while they are not dirt cheap like they were 10-20 years ago they are still fairly inexpensive. And contrary to popular belief you absolutely CAN find a good one. I picked up a fabulous 1972 Buffet alto with all the bells and whistles (fully automatic double register vent, left hand Ab/Eb, 2 piece wood body, overhaul with Pisoni pads within the last 2 years) for only $900! I wouldn't take a risk on an instrument of unknown origin personally, you will be much better off buying something like a Noblet, even if you have to buy online.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: super20dan
Date: 2023-01-26 17:47
we need a pic for sure. if its open holed -its most likely a bundy stencil. a good mpc goes a long way in helping a student horn play better. vandoren or hite or selmer are good places to start
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Author: MMB95
Date: 2023-01-26 17:50
Thanks! It actually looks identical to the one in the link I listed. It is definitely an Olds USA. It has the Olds USA logo at the top and the case also says Olds. I will see if I can post pics later but it does look like the one in the link.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2023-01-26 21:54
It's a Vito stencil. They're built like tanks.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2023-01-27 20:18)
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2023-01-27 10:37
Both the instrument and its case appear to be Vito stencils to me, as well. Towards the end of the Olds/Reynolds run, stenciled woodwinds and percussion were sold alongside their original lines of brasswinds in order to offer a full range of band instruments.
The Olds name and logo are now used by a reseller, NEMC, on their line of stencil instruments. Your alto appears to predate the NEMC era.
If you're playing the original mouthpiece that was included with it, it's probably terrible. I'd suggest upgrading it to, say, a Fobes Debut before dismissing your alto as "stuffy/fuzzy/buzzy".
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Author: MMB95
Date: 2023-01-27 16:10
Thank you so much for that info! All of this makes sense and is kind of what I suspected. In fact, I did find one site which dates it to the early 90's so that would also fall in line with what you are saying.
Don't worry, I am not dismissing the horn at all! It is actually just a couple notes/keys that are rather stuffy (the low C and D). I am actually testing it out using a Vandoren BD5 mouthpiece and Vandoren reeds. I'm going to keep testing different combinations as just going from strength 3 to 2.5 made a huge difference in playability for me!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2023-01-27 20:20
Definitely dropping down half or a full reed strength will clear up the stuffy low register, but only drop down enough so the upper register doesn't sound thin and pinched or uncontrollably buzzy like a kazoo.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Neil
Date: 2023-01-28 18:25
The website is actually Korean. 올드-알토-클라리넷 is Old(s) Alto Clarinet.
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Author: MMB95
Date: 2023-01-28 23:39
So, just to update, I tried it with a Legere alto sax reed and wow, what a difference! It's like a whole different instrument. The notes all speak now and there's absolutely no airiness, stuffiness or buzzing. Just amazing. I've never had good luck with synthetics on the Bb but the Legere just makes this instrument sound amazing compared to what I was getting with the cane alto clarinet reeds.
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Author: super20dan
Date: 2023-01-29 04:34
yep the legere reeds wake the alto up no question. my bundy also came alive . what mpc are you using?
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Author: MMB95
Date: 2023-01-29 06:28
Vandoren BD5 currently as that came with it but I also have a Hite coming!
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