Expert: jack wiard - 1/15/2012

Question
QUESTION: I have a 5 Star wooden clarinet made by A.M.  Paris France.  The only number I can find on it is 15983.  It belonged to my father, who died in 1971 at the age of 49.  It was purchased in Jetport, Connecticut and is in its original case. I do not know the year it was bought. Any clue as to the value?  I don't see any visible damage to it, except it could use a good cleaning.

ANSWER: Hello Deb...I could find nothing on the web on the clarinet you have...If the clarinet is wood and had an overhall, meaning all the pads /springs/corks were good [giving trouble free playing] and if the clarinet played well in tune, it could be worth $400-500....That is not much but the clarinet buying world is usually after one of the big three clarinet names [BUFFET/SELMER/LEBLANC...You have a "no name" or unknown brand of clarinet, and buyers who know about clarinets usually avoid these,although there are good lesser known clarinets made [ROSSI/PETER EATON/PATRICOLA.....Cheers    JACK

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Oh I had a typo. It says 5 star, S.M.L Paris France on the stamp.  I wrote A.M.. Does that make any difference? Also, could you tell me the approximate cost of an overhaul?

Thanks

Answer
Hello again Deb....Yup, the extra letter makes a difference...SML stands for STRASSER/MARIGAUX/LEMAIRE..who made the clarinets...Most were student level. of hard rubber...The ones with the extra  marking Marigaux were of wood and more pro level...They did make student level wood clarinets...If yours does not say Marigaux on it, it is probably student level...An overhaul costs between $250-400.depending on who does the work...The rest of my previous answer applies...I could find no serial numbers....Cheers    JACK