Expert: Kenton Scott - 3/18/2005

Question
Hi.  I own an old (1960s or earlier) Meyer (Bb?) clarinet.  The Meyer logo is etched (not silkscreened) into the bell, and "made in Czechoslovakia" and the serial numner (3533) are etched into the main body. It's solid wood and appears to be ebony.  It hasn't been played in years, but has no obvious cracks or other damage.  

I can't find ANYTHING online about Meyer instruments other than mouthpieces.  I'm not a player, so I have no idea what I have or what it might be worth.  Any thoughts?  Thanx.  

Answer
Hi,

Sorry for not reponding sooner.  

I have more knowledge about brass instruments rather than wood wind instruments.  

And, I can't give you a definitive answer, but I can give some leads for you.

When a horn has Czecholovakia marked on it with another logo on it, it is likely what they call a Stencil horn.  That is the Meyer name was placed on the horn after it had been made and it was simply a brand attached after the fact.  Meyer was likely the name of the importer.

I see one reference to Karl Meyer being a trade name for H&A Selmer.  But since they were clarinet makers, I would be surprised that they were stenciling Czech horns.  

The Czech horns can be quality or they can be junk.  They generally have a poor reputation because many of them were not well made.  

I certainly wouldn't want to make any guesses as to the worth of the particular instrument you have, and would suggest that you take it to someone with the musical expertise to check it out, but I wouldn't have my hopes too high.  

I hope this helps.

kms