Expert: Kenton Scott - 4/29/2007

Question
I was recently given a clarinet, but as a violin player I am not entirely sure what to do with it. It appears to be an open-hole metal instrument, more similar in shape to an oboe, but with a definite clarinet mouthpiece. It is all one piece except from the mouthpiece, unlike clarinets I'm familiar with. It says 2733 on it, as well as Noblet France. Its case appears ancient to me. My husband estimates its from the 1920s. The instrument appears to have been neglected for quite some time, and was purchased for $1 at a garage sale years ago. My point is, is an old metal clarinet  such as this worth keeping and fixing up, or is it better off in the trash bin?  

Answer
Woodwinds are not my area.

Metal clarinets were an experiment that never really caught on.  Most were cheaply made, though I'm told that there is no reason that a metal clarinet couldn't sound as good as a traditional clarinet.  I recently heard a metal clarinet being played by a jazz musician who sounded great on it.  With the Noblet name, I would sure check it out.