Expert: Kenton Scott - 5/15/2006

Question
I recently came across a Three Star Metal Clarinet. The serial number is 583H. About how old do you think it is, and what kind of price could I fetch for it if I completely restore it? (polished, new pads and corks, etc.)  
Thank you,
Justine

Answer
Justine,

Woodwinds aren't really my thing, and I haven't heard of a Three Star Brand, but I do know that metal clarinets were for the most part an unsuccessful experiment in clarinet manufacture. They were not well accepted and most were cheaply made.  I believe they were most popular during the Depression.

The odds are that you wouldn't get the cost of restoring back out of it.  I would certainly recommend that you get someone knowlegeable on clarinets to look it over before putting any money it in. It may be an exception, but probably it is worth very little.

kms