metal clarinet

Re: metal clarinet mouthpiece

I think so . . . I own a Silver King (H.N. White Co.) and I use a variety of clarinet pieces I've used on wooden clarinets - and still do. They are interchangeable. DAVE

Re: metal clarinet mouthpiece

Yup. Any clarinet mouthpiece that will fit into the reciever will work.

Re: metal clarinet mouthpiece

Yes. You can use the same mouthpiece on a clarinet made of any material:wood, plastic,"ebonite", metal.

Re: metal clarinet mouthpiece

Crystal too.

And yes, there has been at least one metal clarinet mouthpiece, made by Selmer for their metal clarinets in the 1930s. Sounds fine, but looks totally lame-o on a nonmetal horn.

I have seen 2 nice metal clarinets, they are a Henri Bubois paris and a vintage A. fontiane , could somebody tell me something about them? And wether there any good
Saxophoniac3

I'm no expert on anything, especially metal clarinets, but from what I've seen, most are cheaply made and unworthy of the name "clarinet." There are, however, at least two that I know of that are well-made, substantial instruments - the H.N. White Silver King, and older Selmer-Paris models.

However, even as good as my Silver King may be, it is no match for the many nice wooden clarinets out there, both intermediate and pro-level instruments. Sure, I could have missed a few, but unless you find an exceptional metal clarinet, stick with wood - and universally recognized makers. DAVE

I've played a couple others that are 'decent' as far as metal/silver clarinets go.
One is my Abbott, the other was a Holton Collegiate.

One thing about these is they are a ROYAL pain in both butt cheeks to work on if you are only used to doing wood/plastic clarinets.

My Swiss Army clarinet (a metal Leblanc stencil) is quite good - most of my band buddies wouldn't be able to tell it from a wooden one, by its sound at least.

Well maybe that tells a lot about my playing skills, who knows. [rolleyes]

Yes, there are some "decent" metal clarinets but would either of you get rid of your wood clarinet(s) and use the metal one exclusively?

What I'm saying is if Saxophoniac3 wants to get a metal clarinet, be my guest. But if he/she or someone else reading this thread thinks they they may want one for a #1 instrument, there are better choices.

I got mine because someone walked into my gig one night, showed it to me and asked what he should do with it. Based on his voice-inflection and body language, I told him not to throw it away. He then asked me if I wanted it and I said, "Sure." He gave it to me. This was YEARS ago.

I didn't know what it was at the time (other than just another metal clarinet) but the pound-sterling mark on the bell was later pointed out to me and after some research I realized I had a keeper. But I probably would never buy a metal clarinet, no matter how good it was, unless it was EXCEPTIONAL. DAVE

Hey, I was also wondering wether a metal clarinet is heavier than a wooden clarinet? thanks

I haven't weighed any clarinets but I don't think you would notice a difference in weight between a metal clarinet and a wooden one.

I weighed myself on my bathroom scales, then held the Silver King, then my wooden Buffet E-11. Same weight gain on the scales - 1.5 pounds. In my hand, the Buffet felt EVER so slightly heavier. Essentially no difference. DAVE

I've got an old Martin-made one, in need of a refurbish, if anyone wants one cheap. It says "Indiana Band Instrument Co" on it. Needs new pads, etc, and I have no idea how it sounds. But the IBICo saxes were of very nice quality, FWIW.

Do Swiss Army clarinets come with blades, scissors, can opener, etc?

Mine is a Cavalier which is a Conn stencil from 1923.

Any clarinet mouthpiece will fit. Make sure the one you buy still has the mouthpiece adapter that is used for tuning in place of a barrel.

The low register on mine has a great tone and is in tune with itself. The upper register is very different and takes a while to tame. But with practice, it sounds pretty good and can be lipped into pitch.

Here's a sound clip:

http://cierra.cc/CavalierDemo2.mp3

The heaviest metal models I know of are the Armored Conns of the late '20s - metal cladding over rubber core. Mine weighs nearly 2 lb - too heavy for its specially designed thumbhook (metal frame + cork inlay), which cracked.

You could make a metal clarinet your number 1 instrument for playing outdoors if you care a lot for your wooden clarinet and don't want to get a plastic clarinet. A Silver King, was as far as I know, designed for the purpose of being loud. So it would be particulari good for out-door playing. Perhaps the Silva-Bet would be a more natural choice for the 1920s concert hall in a small ensemble.:|

DavidW said:

Do Swiss Army clarinets come with blades, scissors, can opener, etc?

Click to expand...

I bet they do! Can tell that I wouldn't be surprised to even find a reed cutter, cork grease and pull through included too.