AboutSuzie Expertise There are very few questions regarding antique woodwind instruments that I'm unable to answer. I've either worked on, restored, or heard of most antique flute brands and am familiar with determining materials and/or dates of manufacture. I'm also able to provide an estimate for what your instrument is worth or what it would cost to fix! I'm familiar with antique or old clarinets, oboes, flutes, piccolos, fifes and most other antique woodwinds. Saxophones are my weak spot and I am not, however, familiar with bassoons! PHOTOS ARE IMPORTANT IF YOU'D LIKE MORE INFORMATION AND/OR AN ESTIMATE OF AN INSTRUMENT'S VALUE. IF YOU'D LIKE TO SEND ME PHOTOS (OR JUST EMAIL ME DIRECTLY), PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO info@foreverwoodwinds.com - Thanks!
Experience I have been fixing and reselling flutes (both young and old!) for the last 5 years and occasionally some other woodwinds on occasion. I've been well acquainted with antique oboes, clarinets, and most flutes (including piccolos and fifes) and should be able to help with most questions.
Education/Credentials A few years ago, I attended a technical college for a band instrument repair course. After I left the college, I began educating myself on antique flutes, clarinets and oboes and continue to try helping people with their instruments. I'm able to provide an estimate of the value of the instrument(s) as well as an estimate for restoration of the instrument(s). If you have a very important question and/or I haven't written back to your question within a few days, please feel free to give me a call at any time on my cell phone: 570-236-7054. Thanks!
Expert: Suzie Date: 5/11/2008 Subject: Graduate Rudall, Carte & Co Clarinet
Question Dear Suzie
I have recently inherited a 'Graduate' Rudall Carte & Co Clarinet.
I know next to nothing about clarinets and so would like to sell it - but am not sure whether it is of any value and / whether I should give it to a local school or whether I should just give it ao charity.
There is a serial no. on the main panel, which is 987819. It is called 'Graduate' made in USA and it says on the base 'made for Rudall, Carte & Co Ltd.
If you could let me know your thoughts and point me in the right direction - that would be great.
Many thanks
Lucy
Answer Hello Lucy! Thanks for writing! The Rudall Carte company was (and is) VERY well-known for producing superb flutes worth thousands of dollars. As far as I've seen (and heard), the Graduate model (by RC & Co.) is their student model but they still seem to be made well although not up to the higher standards of the non-Graduate models. Is your clarinet made of wood or just seem to be constructed of a black material (like plastic, etc.)? Thanks! -Suzie
