Can someone give me specifics on my clarinet?

[kZepp17]

Hey there folks, I've been kickin' up the clarinet for a bit in the jazz ensemble, and am using a simple student model. However, there is a very old (and totally beaten up) metal clarinet that I am considering fixing up (by a pro, not me!).

On the front of the bell is "Cavalier" with an engraved, well, cavalier on it. Below Cavalier is written "Elkhart | ND", then lowest "USA"
The serial number on the back just above the bell is 67213.
In case all metal clarinets aren't one piece, this is one piece (save the mouthpiece of course).

I must say, it's really cool lookin, and I would love to hear that it's worth the money to repair it. But, it may not be, and that's why I'm here.

Thanks for any information you may provide!
-Mike

[Tharruff]

The 'Cavalier' model was made by Conn and is considered as a student level instrument.

I doubt that it would be worth very much even if in good playing condition.

As an example of pricing of metal Clarinets, I bought a King metal Clarinet a couple of years ago for $ 12 and it was actually in marginal playing condition.

Good luck.

[paulwl]

As an example of pricing of metal Clarinets, I bought a King metal Clarinet a couple of years ago for $ 12 and it was actually in marginal playing condition.
Try getting a Silver King (so marked), Silva-Bet, Selmer or name brand Conn for that money these days. These are a few of the forgotten pro model metal clarinets.

[Fred]

Like paulwl said, there were a few great metal clarinets - especially for jazz - but the Cavalier wasn't one of them. They were "marching band quality" instruments. If you do get it and have it overhauled, it won't be worth the price of the overhaul. That's OK if you don't want to sell it, but it's not typically the kind of instrument that warrants much repair.

[kZepp17]

Well thanks for that information fellas.

Always good to check with the people here before going and doing something major. I guess I'm now in the market for a clarinet. I won't bother asking here, rather I'll search around in this board and perhaps that clarinet board (though I'm not a big fan of it.)

Thank you.
-Mike

[Fred]

The good news is that clarinets are cheap compared to saxes, and you can get a clarinet that will serve your needs far better than the Cavalier for not much money. Also, remember that you'll sound better on an average clarinet with a great mouthpiece than on a great clarinet with a mediocre mouthpiece. Of course, finding what is "great" for you is what's key.