Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/17/2009

Question
Hello Mr. Scott!

I have been willed a Gundy-Bettoney, what appears to be silver, clarinet or soprano sax.  

According to my father, the old owner, it was a saxophone; however, I have yet to find a listing for such an item online.

Could you possibly clarify whether Gundy-Bettoney ever made a silver or metal soprano sax, or is it a clarinet.  Also how can I make the distinction and any ideas of whether it is silver?

The instrument is marked with the "Three Star" emblem and is in great condition.  The bottom of the instrument is narrower then a standard clarinet, which may have been the reason my father assumed that it was a soprano sax.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
KJ Moran

Answer
I should probably pass on this question as woodwinds are not my area, but I can tell you this much.  The company is Cundy-Bettoney.  They patented the Cundy-Bettoney name in 1914.  And, reintroduced the metal clarinet to the US in 1925.  

The easiest way I can think of to distinguish between a metal clarinet and a soprano sax is whether is has open holes (rings that the flesh of the finger presses into to close the hole) or not.  The sax would not have them but the clarinet would.