Silver\metal clarinets

[Luke]

hi,
i've been playing soprano and tenor (so Bb) and heard about metal clarinets. Several brands seem to be around.
Every bit of info about metal clarinets is welcome since i intend to buy one but do not have a clue what to expect (is there a brand ranking, different systems as on regular Bb clarinet ...)
thanks
Luke

[Morry]

As metal clarinets go, I've seen a Selmer that appeared to be a well made instrument.

[Dave Dolson]

Luke: Like Morry, I've seen some Selmer metal clarinets that were okay. I have an old Silver King (made by King Band Instruments, H.N. White Co.) with a pound-sterling stamp on the bell. It is a solid instrument (but stuffy).

Having told you that, most metal clarinets are of poor quality. They come in both Boehm and Albert Systems and some may even be HP (high pitch), something you want to avoid like the plague. I don't think any are being made these days. Most metal clarinets are really vintage in nature - and cheap. If you intend to play, spend the bucks and buy a nice wood horn (although some folks will tell you they've had success with plastic, resonite, or hard-rubber models). DAVE

[AMASAX]

metal clarinets run the gamut of crap to to pretty good.

* metal clar. started up in late 1920's, if memory serves.
kinda lasted into the 1930s, then WWII came along, then
after the war, plastic won out as the cheap easy horn.

* interestingly enough, Selmer put out some top line horns
during this time period in all flavors, and in some of the old
catalogs i have, the metal horns are prices higher than the
top line wooden models. As a result, the top Selmer horns
usually go for a pretty good price on ebay.

other than the Selmers, most common usage for these
babies seems to be as potential lamp material, or to be
nailed on wall at the local pub... :)

[Luke]

thanks for the info.
I did not want to run into the wooden versions but will give it a try.
Will be looking out for a selmer. In the local shop they have a noblet metal clarinet that is in fairly good shape, did not get played on it so i don't know about tune and sound. Are these any good?
Luke

[paulwl]

Conn made some great metal clarinets in the late 20s-early 30s era – although if the Selmers only rank "pretty good" to "okay" for you, you probably won't like the Conns. But they are definitely "good enough for jazz," which actually is a meaningful distinction in clarinetdom.

Conn was offering clarinets in metal as early as the 1880s, but it was probably some European guy who made the first clarinet ever out of metal.

The eBay market seems to be picking up, possibly due to buyers from Japan and Europe (not France!). Or possibly just due to one dedicated kook-collector from California, who reportedly drives a cab as he plays. With both hands.

[Luke]

i was in fact referring to the noblet, if this was any good. I presume that Selmer is as their saxes and thus a kind of reference;)
From what i understood, i think that i need to watch ebay more closely
thanks

[Dave Dolson]

Luke: I'm curious as to why you seem so set on a metal clarinet?

I'm not familiar with Noblet models, but in most cases, metal clarinets are CHEAPLY made (with the exception of those already mentioned - Conn, Silver Kings, and old Selmers). They are crude and the metal is thin and lacks any weight. The tube is thin (and thin-walled) and the tone holes are raised so that the overall feel is weird.

You really need to put your hands on one of the good ones to evaluate the Noblet in which you seem to be interested. And if you are under the impression that a metal clarinet will somehow give you a different, more saxophonish tone, that is not the case. Metal clarinets sound just like all other clarinets - except most are inferior in tone, response, and other playing factors. DAVE

[Luke]

hi dave,
well, i intended to use one for dixieland jazz and the fact that it does look odd and rather exceptional.
That being said, i will try different makes of clarinets and see what comes out tonewise.
thanks for the advice dave!

[Dave Dolson]

Luke: You are welcome. I've seen only a few metal clarinets in Dixieland Jazz (and that's the kind of music I play - one was the Selmer mentioned earlier). On one of Bix Beiderbecke's CDs, there is a photo of Bix and the Wolverines - their clarinetist is shown with a metal clarinet.

On one of the Firehouse Five Plus Two's LPs ("Goes to Sea") was a photo of the band walking into the ocean . . . George Probert, their reed player was shown holding a metal clarinet. He told me that for that shot, he did not want to risk getting his soprano saxophone covered in sea water, so he used an old metal clarinet for the shoot.

Still, almost every clarinetist uses a wooden clarinet. If you want to appear authentic, try an Albert System clarinet. DAVE

[paulwl]

Luke: You are welcome. I've seen only a few metal clarinets in Dixieland Jazz (and that's the kind of music I play - one was the Selmer mentioned earlier).
There's probably room for more, given the "outdoor" aspect of much trad jazz. I've used my metal Conns frequently when I sub in the Red Onion Jazz Band. I had my skinny 524N along in October when the wonderful Joe Muranyi sat in. Joe tried it and was pretty impressed.

If you want to appear authentic, try an Albert System clarinet. DAVE
If you want to appear authentic and indulge a metal fetish, a metal Albert would be a great choice... :D Check out this page by a Danish trad player specializing in metal Alberts:
http://www.new-orleans-delight.dk/Sidste%20nyt/The%20Clarinet%20That%20Made.html

PS: Just got a 1928 Buescher (2pc Boehm) in the mail. It's a dam' fine player!

[Dave Dolson]

Paulwl: The trombone player in the band in which I'm currently playing acquired a metal Albert System clarinet - and played it during one of our festival appearances. I switched to alto (from sop) and we had a great time. While funky, I'd heard better Alberts, (not his playing, the horn itself). Is the '28 Buescher you mentioned wood or metal? DAVE

[Gandalfe]

Paul, do you still play that Buescher metal clarinet? Is it for sale? 8-)

[paulwl]

Yes and probably not!

[Gandalfe]

I just purchased a 30s vintage Selmer metal clarinet that I hope to be able to make my primary clarinet. It is in five pieces, has an adjustable barrel, and the original wood case.

I will have to have all the pads replaced and get the some of the works ungummed. I had been noodling around with a free metal clarinet and decided to get this one for the shock value. 8-)

[David Spiegelthal]

I've restored a bunch of metal clarinets, currently have two of my own, one of which I play regularly in a jazz big band (I even played it in orchestra one night to confuse the natives). See the woodwind.org/clarinet BB for numerous threads about the wide variety (and widely-varying quality) of metal clarinets. They really do range from 'table lamp' to 'absolutely superb', depending on what you get.

[Gandalfe]

I read Jim Lande's rollup of metal clarinets sold on eBay which is yearly, starting in 2002. The discussions from the Clarinet BB lead me to purchasing this instrument. Now I just hope I will actually see it as I paid for it yesterday and still haven't heard from the buyer. That's the only part that makes me nervous about buying on the internet from unknowns.

[MJ]

Might as well admit I took the plunge, too, only buying a three-piece metal Selmer on shopgoodwill (body-barrel-mpc). The clarinet will be mailed out as soon as my check clears. Then comes overhaul search (sigh).
Gandalfe, best of luck with your new instrument. Keep us posted.

[Gandalfe]

I have a tech in mind to do the overhaul. Then I want to document this beastie on the Web. There is precious little info or pictures about metal clarinets. Maybe I'll get saxpics to post some pictures and info about this instrument on his site.

Also of note, my check cleared and the instrument will be mailed tomorrow. Ooh a new toy! Life is sweet.

[MJ]

I got my metal Selmer "Depose," serial #1664, today from goodwill.com.
Even with a tissue/tape pad I fashioned for a missing pad and some glue on another pad that kept falling off...the instrument plays better than my recently-overhauled wooden Edgware. Guess I'll take the ancient, tarnished silver stick with me to my lesson Monday and see what my teacher says.
This Selmer put me back $100--I'm very happy.

[Gandalfe]

I suspect the "depose" is French for patent pending or some such. I don't believe it is a model. However, it sounds like you have quite the instrument and that you got it at a fine price.

[super20dan]

i am lucky enough to have a very good metal selmer. you cannot tell from the tone that it is metal but sounds like a very good wood one. the noblet metal is a pretty good metal clarinet. i have one that i use for dixie gigs and big band too . more projection than wood. paul i too had a nice conn but traded it even for the selmer! )i think i came out on top on this one). i like the metal for shock value as per dave sp but find it has advantages. more projection and is weather proof.

[Gandalfe]

Someone in a private mail pointed me to this fine metal clarinet web site (http://www.silver-clarinet.com). There are a lot of nice pictures there:

http://www.angelfire.com/in2/easyliving/gallery/Clarinet-Selmer.JPG

[MJ]

Gandalfe,

Are you playing your refurbished clarinet yet? If so, what is your opinion on the silver Selmer?

I got mine back a couple weeks ago and am having a great time with the instrument. It turns out mine had the middle portions glued or welded together, no more thanks to a wonderful technician (he did say some players prefer making the horn one piece permanently--I like the horn back to original myself).

I'm using my old white Olympian mouthpiece on it with soft reeds and will likely spring for a jazz mouthpiece upon my technician's recommendation. The clarinet is an easy player now, with rich range across octaves.

Sheepishly, I also report that I bought an EBay clarinet also, no plausible excuse except I love old instruments. This one is a Conn 514 that plays "Mary-rigged" now, until I set up refurbishment in the spring.

Gandalfe, I suspect you are enjoying an "early Christmas" with your new toy. How goes?

Mary Jo

[Gandalfe]

I immediately turned my instrument into one of my fav techs, a clarinet player himself. Unfortunately, when I turned it in there were hundreds of instruments ahead of me. I hope to have this instrument by Christmas. That may be wishful thinking on my part.

No worries though, I have my wife's back-up instrument, a very nice Leblanc Paris clarinet. It's intonation is excellent and with my RM15 (Ralph Morgan) mouthpiece, this instrument has a very nice woody sound. After three months trying to learn the clarinet, I must say getting across the break is much easier. And I don't blow flat anymore. But when I'm playing duets with my wife, I sometime freeze because I start thinking sax fingerings. 8-)

So I have this instrument and a C soprano sax being completely refurbished. Yes, is a very exciting holiday season for me.

How is the intonation for your Conn metal clarinet? I searched for over a year until I got my Selmer Paris. My tech sez that no one will be able to tell difference between my metal and a wood clarinet. We'll see. But I've heard good things about both the Conn and Buescher instruments.

[David Spiegelthal]

I've restored and played many metal clarinets (including a metal Kohlert BASS clarinet). Currently my two favorite personal Bb soprano clarinets are both Penzel-Mueller "Artist Model" instruments -- but one is wood and one is metal (silver-plated). I have completely overhauled both, with tan leather pads, so they make a good comparison case. I would challenge anyone in a properly-conducted double-blind test to tell which one I was playing --- they sound VERY similar to each other.

[MJ]

Sorry it took me a while to answer your question, Gandalfe, about intonation on my Selmer and Conn. I can't really say, since one horn is refurbished and the other not (that's my excuse, I usually am admonished to firm up embrouchure on high notes on any instrument).

I do see my technician has an auction on EBay, where he discusses metal Conn against what is likely my Selmer:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7373066016&fromMakeTrack=true

Generally, I find the Conn and Selmer distinguishable by finesse--the Selmer build is more refined and I think ergonomic (right hand palm keys arc and don't two-step, like Conn). The Conn gives the impression of sturdiness, seems heavier though probably not, and has a really nice-feeling solid thumbrest. Perhaps it is only unfounded conjecture, but the Conn seems a pure jazz animal to me, the Selmer ready for any musical challenge.

When I scrape up the bucks after Christmas, the Conn is going in for a redo.

Gandalfe, you have my greatest respect being a patient man awaiting fixes for two instruments.

Dave, thanks for your professional opinion on metal vs. wood clarinets.


Mary Jo

[Gandalfe]

I picked up my Selmer Paris silver (I've taken up this term instead of metal) five-piece clarinet from the repair shop. I spent about a half hour with my fav tech talking about this instrument.

After having spent a half year on a Leblanc Paris and periodically picking up my wife's Buffet R-13 Festival I must say I was disappointed. I guess I had unrealisitic expectations for this instrument made ~1930. The keywords and action feel clunky compared to a modern instrument. The Leblanc and Buffet keyworks feel buttery smooth by comparison.

The tone is a little buzzy and there are interesting overtones and multiphonics happening. Given time I could overcome these sound disappointments. But then moving to a modern instrument would be very challenging. I must say the intonation is superb. Not as good as the Leblanc, but very doable.

The ergonomics are nasty. For example the bottom Eb key is placed so close to the surrounding keys that both the tech and I hit them when releasing the key. And if we change our hands to accommodate this interesting key placement, the other keys are hard to hit.

A good player would make this instrument sound fine and it is a looker! (Will post pictures later.) But alas it won't become my primary instrument because I need every bit of edge that I can get to become a decent player.

I have a lot of money in this instrument. But it is a beautiful piece of art, that I will pull out and play for special occasions. Everyone I've showed it to is awed by it. I suspect that in the coming years it will be easy to get my money and a little more out of the deal. But I am in no hurry to do so just right now.

[Eddie McLean]

I had a 30's vintage Selmer Sterling Boehm clarrie until recently. It was well made, played in tune and sounded just like - well - a clarinet. In reality it didnt sound as good as my wood B&H Imperial, Emperor or Regent sonorite, but it was great for N.O. marching bands. The action was excellent but the blowing was a bit stuffy until I put on a Berg Larsen 60/0M MPC. This is more like a Soprano 'piece and did give a kind of cross over sound. The F ring pad was situated over the tenon joints, which were drilled through. Lester Young recorded with a metal clarinet.

[Gandalfe]

Here's the pic I promised:

Silver Selmer Clarinet (http://www.gandalfe.net/images/saxpics/selmerparissilver_med.jpg)

You can click the picture link to see the other shots, but I like this one the best.

[Henning1]

I suspect the "depose" is French for patent pending or some such. I don't believe it is a model. However, it sounds like you have quite the instrument and that you got it at a fine price.

Picking up an old thread. I checked this out some year ago. Deposé means registered trademark, that´s it.

[Gandalfe]

My current project instrument is a Buescher silver clarinet with (I suspect) Albert fingerings. There is a split key setup for both pinky fingers. I'll post a picture when the instrument has been overhaul but there's a before picture at my blog http://gandalfe.spaces.live.com in the 'My Axes' listbox.

You know the old joke about the two musicians who stopped at a restaurant and halfway through the meal one of them realized they left their soprano sax in the unsecured car. So they ran out to the car and it was too late... Someone had thrown another soprano sax in the car.

Well that is what's happening with metal clarinets. I have been given or gifted three metal clarinets. I only keep the silver ones. I clean the others up and give them to family or friends to show in their houses.

[bari_sax_diva]

Well, gosh... since we're doing confessions and all, I just found my old metal clarinet. It's a silverplated Pedler "Hoosier" from about the mid-30s, and I found it an an antique store about 20 years ago.

When I bought this, I took it about and did a little restoration on my own because most repairmen I knew wouldn't touch one of these. Turns out it had a full set of kidskin pads in decent shape, and when I got done I actually played it a while in big band gigs. As I recall it sounded good enough to surprise most who heard it, and the scale was spot on.

I've got a Yamaha 20 on the way that I plan to use for outdoor playing, but now you guys have me thinking about whether this little axe might be more fun on those gigs. It needs a couple of tweaks first, but perhaps I've got a little cork lying around here somewhere. Hmm....

BTW, Gandalfe--any suggestions on removing tarnish, especially between keys? There isn't much, but I just acquired a silver plated sax, so I might as well stock up on ideas.

-Leanne

[Gandalfe]

Well, rather than try to clean them, I had them double replated and etched during a complete overhaul that includes a chem dip. I considered triple coating them but that would possiblity effect the play works! My two silver clarinets have 3M treated paper and cloths in the case to protect the finish. Silver is a tough thang to keep looking nice so I eschew that finish for my saxes except for the vintage instruments like the silver clarinets, Buescher bass, Conn straight-neck C melody, and Conn soprano sax. And each of these have silver protection stuff in the cases.

All my new instruments have a lacquer finish because they are really maintenance free for the most part. The Eppelsheim low-A bass sax that I'm having made will even have an orange-gold lacquer similiar to the Ref 54 limited edition finish. It's just easier to keep clean. And for all that work, silver is pricy.

I leave my flute out because I'm really not making enough progress on it. The silver has turned very gold, but I really need to be working this into my rotation if I'm gonna get more pit orchestra gigs. 8-)

[Joe Jazz]

Yamaha silver polish and Q-tips work for me. Sometimes I'll use Haggerty's silver polish if I've waited a while between polishes, but you don't want to get any of that on your pads! Messy brown!:)

[Henning1]

There isn't much, but I just acquired a silver plated sax, so I might as well stock up on ideas.

-Leanne

For silvered instrument there are special dry silver polish cloths to be bought at the musical shop or at the jewellers. In the case of lower ambitions and less time, simple methyl alcohol on a clean cloth might do. But this question rather belongs here http://forum.saxontheweb.net/forumdisplay.php?f=49

regards

[Henning1]

This is more like a Soprano 'piece and did give a kind of cross over sound.

What more is to be expected if it is a soprano!?
I´d however be a little surprised if it was an eb sopranino or a Bb bass.

regards

[woodamand]

Luke: I'm curious as to why you seem so set on a metal clarinet?

I'm not familiar with Noblet models, but in most cases, metal clarinets are CHEAPLY made (with the exception of those already mentioned - Conn, Silver Kings, and old Selmers). They are crude and the metal is thin and lacks any weight. The tube is thin (and thin-walled) and the tone holes are raised so that the overall feel is weird.

You really need to put your hands on one of the good ones to evaluate the Noblet in which you seem to be interested. And if you are under the impression that a metal clarinet will somehow give you a different, more saxophonish tone, that is not the case. Metal clarinets sound just like all other clarinets - except most are inferior in tone, response, and other playing factors. DAVE
You have to have your hands on any clarinet to determine its worth, don't you? I recently bought a wonderful, really wonderful sounding Noblet silver horn. The guy that was selling it also had a brass plated Noblet that looked just gorgeous, but sounded really bad. I also own a wooden Noblet, and I love both of them, and yes to my ears they sound pretty similar, although the metal horn is a bit more forgiving for reeds that just don't work well on the wooden. My brass repairman told me: "4 out of 5 metal clarinets you should just hang on the wall as decoration - but not this one!"
The metal clarinet is really well made as far as I can tell, not cheap in any respect.

[Wafaic]

I had my skinny 524N along in October when the wonderful Joe Muranyi sat in. Joe tried it and was pretty impressed.


Oh? These instruments do not have the same intonation as the modern one. I own a Conn metal clarinet that I like, but that cannot ply with other instruments. Too bad. Totally out of tune.

[Chris J]

I recently took a chance and bought a beautiful looking Silver King. Serial number has it made in about 1928. It is being set up by Steve Howard so can not say really how it plays, as leaked alot when I got it.

But before buying it I did some research, and have had interesting contact with others since regarding these instruments

Generally
Good information can be had on the clarinet bulletin board, particularly http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=37222&t=37222 is a thread that started years ago but has interesting information on.

www.silver-clarinet.com has been mentioned before, but has lots of info on too

Specifically about my Silver King
Excellent information can be had from www.hnwhite.com
My instrument has the £ sign on the bell showing it has a sterling silver bell. The gold wash apparently suggests it was regarded as a better instrument than others that were made. Judging from http://www.hnwhite.com/King/Clarinets/1931%20White%20Way%20Catalog%20Clarinet.jpg my clarinet cost $125 dollars new in the 20's, and I have the delux imitation alligator leather covered case that cost the buyer an extra $16.50 .......

[BobbyC]

I recently restored a Pan American I purchased from a fellow SaxOnTheWeb member.

Here's the thread: http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?t=62100

Silver-Clarinet.com said these things are mostly junk.
All I can say is: if this one is junk then the top of the line ones must be amazing because mine plays great even though I haven't got it completely set-up yet.

[paulwl]

Oh? These instruments do not have the same intonation as the modern one. I own a Conn metal clarinet that I like, but that cannot ply with other instruments. Too bad. Totally out of tune.News to me. I suppose it's possible you have a high-pitch horn (A-456 or 457), but they're mostly the very early ones, 1890s or 1900s vintage.

[Wafaic]

News to me. I suppose it's possible you have a high-pitch horn (A-456 or 457), but they're mostly the very early ones, 1890s or 1900s vintage.
Bonjour, Paulwl,
I wanted to post it as a message, but there is some problem, so:
I am sorry. I said bad things on my Conn 524, and I was actually the bad one. The instrument was not in a real good shape, and I had it fixed a few months ago, while I was in France (I live in Hong Kong). The tech made a wonderful job on this now perfect instrument. You were right, it is a great clarinet. Special, but great.
My mistake.
All the best for you,
Eric

[stitch]

If you want to see a really unusual metal clarinet have a peek at this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=290219524067&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=019)!

[Taxijazz]

See... www.silver-clarinet.com

[Taxijazz]

In the days before electronics every kid wanted a horn, and hundreds of brands of cheap metal clarinets were produced. If the instrument was made for an accomplished player then that small percentage of metal clarinets may be quite good, like the Selmer when their metal clarinet in the late 1920s was the top-of-line. The Selmer is a very fine metal clarinet, but it has a tunabable barrel from Hell it seems--they develop a wide variety of problems. Also, you may want to consider what the clarinet was made for, and initially it was to compete with wood for classical application, and in this contest the Clari-Met, Silva-Bet, and Selmer seemed to be winners. If on the other hand, a person is looking for a 'Jazz' clarinet, the highest quality that would be more appealing for a soloist might be found in a Conn. Buescher, Silver King, and the early Harry Pedler clarinets might be sort of in the middle. Outside this list there are few worthwhile metal clarinets...Haynes of course, those made by LeBlanc, and a small assortment of French experiments may also be good. Maybe 98% of all metal clarinets that were made are kind of junk.

See.... www.silver-clarinet.com

[Taxijazz]

You have to have your hands on any clarinet to determine its worth, don't you? I recently bought a wonderful, really wonderful sounding Noblet silver horn. The guy that was selling it also had a brass plated Noblet that looked just gorgeous, but sounded really bad. I also own a wooden Noblet, and I love both of them, and yes to my ears they sound pretty similar, although the metal horn is a bit more forgiving for reeds that just don't work well on the wooden. My brass repairman told me: "4 out of 5 metal clarinets you should just hang on the wall as decoration - but not this one!"
The metal clarinet is really well made as far as I can tell, not cheap in any respect.

Yes, an early Noblet metal clarinet can be something wonderfull--Designed to be a little better than the typical junk student metal clarinet. The one's with raised lettering, a diamond around the logo, or gold inside the bell tend to be the best, and have a tone quality that might compare with a Selmer. In fact, the 'Raymond' which looks like a slightly upgraded Noblet was a part of the Selmer line in the late 1929s. Later Noblet models (after WW II) were clearly for students, and not so exciting (made until about 1963, and one of the last of the metal clarinets produced).

[Taxijazz]

I recently restored a Pan American I purchased from a fellow SaxOnTheWeb member.

Here's the thread: http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?t=62100

Silver-Clarinet.com said these things are mostly junk.
All I can say is: if this one is junk then the top of the line ones must be amazing because mine plays great even though I haven't got it completely set-up yet.

Most Pan Americans rate with the rest of the cheap student metal clarinets, but some are just a step down from the pro model 524 and 514 Conns, and quite good, especially the last of them that were made after production of metal clarinets was discontinued at the Conn plant. Some of the later Pan Americans are practically identical to the highly coveted Conn 514N.

[sweetpurrkitten]

I just recently purchased a Pan American Elkhart at a garage sale of all places... just wondering where i can find a little information on this gorgeous thing. I probably paid too much for it but its in good shape and is probably playable if i pick up a ligiture and reeds. Any info would be appreciated.
:treble:

[Gandalfe]

See... www.silver-clarinet.com (http://www.silver-clarinet.com/)

[sweetpurrkitten]

i tried there they didnt seem to have a whole lot of info on the pan am elkharts

[BobbyC]

How about some photos?

[sweetpurrkitten]

these are the best pics i could get in the non existant lighting in my room

[BobbyC]

So you found one of the kind that comes apart.
By any chance is there an engraving of an eagle and a globe on the clarinet (maybe on the bell).
The picture is blurry and I' having a rough time seeing it.

I think I heard the clarinets that come apart are the better ones but I am no expert on this so maybe someone who does know will chime in.

[stitch]

By any chance is there an engraving of an eagle and a globe on the clarinet

Eagle and globe? Isn't that Hawkes & Son?

[Gandalfe]

"Pan Americans aren't Conn, but a division of Conn, and be careful about the representation--Experiments were conducted with Pan Americans, and some are quite good--The one with a Pheonix & World on the bell, and a tunable barrel........$390-$700. Cavaliers and other Conn brands are junk--Including most Pan Ams."

[rogerb40uk]

Of course if you have £4K to spend you can get a Hanson T7 made for you in titanium :)

[sweetpurrkitten]

the emblem on it almsot looks like a teepee lol
its weird if i had a decent camera i could take a better pick... it has a banner in it that says "Modern'e" the bell unscrews and it disassembles like most clarinets in the center and the mouth piece. very odd clarinet ... i might try to play it here soon just to hear it :) payday is coming i'll pick up a ligiture and reeds and see how she sounds

[BobbyC]

Eagle and globe? Isn't that Hawkes & Son?

It's actually a Phoenix (not Eagle) as another poster mentioned (on the Pan Am).
One of these was on ebay a while back but got too expensive for me.

[sweetpurrkitten]

well either way there is no pheonix or eagle... like i said it looks like a teepee loli dont know how else to describe it

[ShiKu Chishiki]

Clarinet bought (in Rochester, NY) over 50 years ago for me by parents. Played it for 10 years while in school. Have no background information on it.

Googled name several ways, but nothing came up. Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks

ShiKu.Chishiki@Gmail.com

[stitch]

The Orpheum S# K2678 Made in USA ...Any information would be appreciated.

Most likely a basic level instrument. Orpheum would be one of the countless brand names around, with no connection to the maker.

[tristantattoos]

Hi Gandalfe,
The opposite is happening to me... I keep losing auctions to the same people (probably dealers) and the one I managed to find at a local pawn shop for an affordable price got bought out from under me whilst I took my daughter to the doctor's office. Sigh.
Any chance you might be interested in selling one of them? I'm particularly interested in a Holton (I know, I know, but I own a Holton Elkhorn tenor and a silver-plated alto and they are GEMS tone-wise).
Please let me know... this is almost an obsession... to complete the trio and prove that Holton DID make some EXCEPTIONALLY NICE sounding instruments.
Thanks,
Tristan

[Little Sax]

I don't think that there are many people out there right now who know more about metal clarinets than taxijazz (http://www.saxontheweb.net/vbulletin/member.php?u=34797).

Here are two of his websites:

Silver Clarinets (http://www.angelfire.com/in2/easyliving/Vintage/Silver-Clarinet.html)

TaxiJazz (http://www.taxijazz.com/)

[Wafaic]

Oh... Here is another guy who seems to know one or two things about the metal clarinets as well (metal, not silver):
http://www.clarinette-metal.fr/
Yes. It's in French, but you may always go to the "Gallerie de photos", and watch, while you learn the language. ;)
I know that such an advice is not easy to give, but I have a Conn 524, that I play with a Brilhart Tonalin 2. I think that this mouthpiece is not really good for this clarinet. Is there somebody who owns one here? and who may give me an advice?
All the best to you,
Éric

[Augustus Hughes]

Thanks Wafaic for telling us about the beautiful French site with it's many lovely pictures. Appreciated by all of us many metal clarinet lovers.

Does anyone know if there is an English version or translation so we can get the benefit of the text?

Augustus

[Wafaic]

So...

~ QUI SUIS-JE ? ~
~WHO AM I?~



.....an amator clarinet player who with a passion for ''métal'' and willing to explore the barely known world of the metal clarinet. Facing the few reliable information available, I have tried to get and repair a good number of metal clarinets... to play them but also, and especially, to have them known by other clarinet players.

Therefore, my collection is open to eveybody... It has now more than an hundred instruments in perfect condition, both in presentation than in playability, and I am happy to share my knowledge with other amators. A lot of clarinet players of all levels have in fact found there the clarinet of their dreams! And I am always happy to see these wonderfull instruments going to be played again...


Now, if it is understandable, I may try to translate more. But my English is far to be perfect. :?

[Chris J]

Try this Google translation link
http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.clarinette-metal.fr/&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=7&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dclarinette%2Bmetal%26hl%3Den%26client %3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-GB:official%26hs%3DHbP

Hope the link works

Not perfect but gets most things across

Edit - In the picture gallery - the Bb /A matched pair of Selmer Paris sitting in their case are mine (also picture of their bells, barrels and LJs)

[Augustus Hughes]

Thanks Wafaic and Chris J.

What worked for me in translating is www.babelfish.yahoo.com.

A lot of good suggestions and pictures for those with metal clarinets.

Augustus