Expert: Kenton Scott - 2/14/2006

Question
I have a "Collegiate" Holton clarinet in good condition, made in Elkhorn, WI in the late 40's.  I think it is sterling silver.  Is it valuable?  Is it usable?  If so, is there any way I can get parts for it?
Thanks.  

Answer
Hi Yvonne,

The Collegiate model was Holton's student model.  The silver  clarinets were an experiment in the Depression years to try to make a less expensive clarinet.  Most are not respected as quality instruments.  

Scientists say that there is no reason that a metal clarinet shouldn't play as well as a wood one, but players seem to disagree.

Parts  - other than the basics like pads are going to be a problem.  They would have to be pirated off of other metal clarinets of the same make, or they would have to be custom made.  

kms