[Dave Dolson]

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

 

[Dave Dolson]

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

 

[Dave Dolson]

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

 

[Dave Dolson]

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