Expert: Kenton Scott - 10/19/2005

Question
I purchased a wood Clarinet and am extremely curious what type it is. it is all wood, not like the new ones today that are plastic or whatever. The bottom says "Lark"  and " Shanghai China, M4003". Can you tell me how old this may be and what kind of wood it is possibly made of?
there is cork on all the joints but other than that there are no other distinguishable features on it.
The original case was tan with red velvet. Not sure if that helps at all.
Thanks for your time.
Jackie

Answer
Well, I don't know much about woodwinds, but. . .

I hesitate to say, but the Lark brand in brass instruments is not well respected.  They are considered to be cheap inferior instruments.  

I also don't know how long they have been making instruments, but I believe they are either a young company or have not imported instruments to the US very long.

You may want to get an accomplished clarinet player to take a look at it and see whether it plays well.

Good luck,

kms