Expert: Suzie - 6/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: Well my 1st question had not attached images so I will say this again. I have two clarinets with the aforementioned names on them. My grandmother said they belonged to her father and had them with out a case. I have found little to no information about them. They both play but probably need the pads and corks replaced on them. There is only 1 mouthpiece between the both of them with the inscription: F. Barbier, Paris. It was on the Fischer clarinet when I found them. I am not sure if this was a replacement for one or is part of the set. Any help on this would be appreciated. The age is not exactly known, so any help with value and date will go a long way towards getting it insured or not. Thanks a lot.

ANSWER: Hello and thanks for writing! Both of your clarinets are of Albert System key configuration. Carl Fischer was an importer of clarinets and that clarinet MAY be a Buffet as they imported many Buffet clarinets and other instruments. I'll get back to you on direct manufacturer info. on the Schults clarinet shortly. Can you give me the overall lengths of the clarinets assembled (minus mouthpiece length)? Thanks! -Suzie

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QUESTION: Well I tried to be as precise as possible. The Fischer is roughly 23 1/4in. The Schults measured out to about 24 15/16in. I say roughly because I did not exactly assemble them, I just put the pieces next to one another. I was afraid they would get stuck and I would cause damage freeing them. Well anyway, if you need anymore info just let me know. Thanks so far.

Answer
Hello and thanks again for writing! I BELIEVE that the Fischer is a Bb clarinet and the Schults is an A clarinet due to the lengths. As for values I'd suggest around $100+ea. Please let me know if you'd like any sort of manufacturer's information I can find (if I can find any) for the Schults. Thanks -Suzie