Most musicians know that performing and practicing music musician is good for your brain? Picking up an instrument and performing music has shown to make anatomical changes through brain scans. It's no surprise that those playing music are smarter than others.
That includes saxophones, clarinets, flutes, piccilos, oboes and bassoons. This list is not correct for Conn brass instruments such as cornets and trumpets. A few remarks I have added an approximate serial number for 1952. There is no data available for that year, so this serial number is based on the assumption that the same number of.
- Serial number conn-emezazuges’s blog. Serial number conn-emezazuges’s blog. Emezazuges’s diary 2018-01-18. Serial number conn.
- Over 100 company's databases containing dates of manufacture of musical instruments.
- 'My Conn Bari Sax has a n at the beginning of the serial number so this the earlier post that N = clarinet must be wrong.' Post by keltonshields here is a list from a google search on vintage saxophone serial numbers.
Have you been considering learning how to play the clarinet, buying a new one for your child, or upgrading your current instrument? Then you're in the right place! We are going to share the best clarinets we have here at Conn-Selmer.
Henri Selmer Paris Model 67
Selmer Paris has a long history of creating the highest quality professional clarinets. The Low C Privilege features silver-plated nickel silver key work, silver-plated brass bell, and stainless steel needle springs. It also features the Henri Selmer Paris Focus mouthpiece. The 67 is known for its rich sound and easy response, making it one of the most beloved bass clarinets on the market. This instrument is in the key of Bb. It has a range down to low C. The Silver plated, nickel silver keys have more texture than nickel plating, which facilitates fast technique. The body is made of aged, premium quality granadilla wood for a rich sound and study quality. The bell and neck are brass that is plated in silver. This bass clarinet feature blued steel needle springs and high-quality leather pads get a perfect seal and reliability.
Henri Selmer Paris Model B16 Presence
Thanks to its innovative bore design, B16 Presence has unique acoustic qualities that provide ease of emission, exceptional homogeneity and above all an instrument that is easy to play. The sound of the Presence clarinet is a mix of harmonic richness, and timbre; essential characteristics to the instrument. Also, the research done on the position and size of the tone holes has given this clarinet unrivaled intonation. Specifically designed keys, as well as new key orientations and positions, provide unmatched mechanical precision and response combined with player comfort. Presence clarinets are available in B-flat and A. An E-flat lever is also available as an option. The grenadilla wood is selected, delicately worked, naturally treated, lacquered and waterproofed for a protection and finish at the top of its class. This clarinet comes equipped with Valentino pads, preferred by many clarinetists and recommended by experienced repairers for their seal, stability and durability.
Henri Selmer Paris Model B16SIG
The Selmer Paris model B16SIG clarinet represents a very different sound of clarinet compared to other models on the market. The Signature utilizes raised up tone holes, which helps provide a more focused tone while maintaining a very precise responding instrument. Professionals worldwide praise the Signature clarinet for its depth of sound and uniformly dark, clear tone quality in all ranges and dynamics. Playing with slightly more resistance than the other Selmer clarinets, the Signature requires a more efficient and free-blowing set-up. After adjusting and balancing your mouthpiece and reed you will find even the softest pianissimos respond with less embouchure effort. With the Signature you concentrate on making music instead of struggling with the instrument. The Signature clarinet is available in the keys of Bb and A. These professional clarinets are made of grenadilla wood, come with two barrels (64.5, 62.5), left hand Eb key, silver plated nickel silver keys, leather pads with boosters (lower) / Gortex, blued steel springs, adjustable thumb rest, metal tenons and sockets, and comes with a Selmer Paris PRISME case.
Selmer Model CL211
This best selling CL211 model is based on the original designs of George Bundy’s classic student clarinets. Selmer clarinets offer construction that is built to last a lifetime. Combining durable nickel silver keys, undercut tone holes, and an unstained grenadilla wood body, these instruments will hold up year after year. The medium sized, complex bore provides students slight resistance that helps develop a well controlled, even, focused, and mature sound.The undercut tone holes offer students a smooth, even scale with better control over intonation. The specially designed, nickel-silver keys are durable and resistant to bending. Wide pinky key designs make it easy for students with smaller fingers to reach. Unstained grenadilla wood gives students an instrument that will provide rich warm tone from an earlier start, making it easier to develop musically. The Selmer CL201 includes a hard rubber mouthpiece for a vibrant responsive tone that helps develop proper embouchure habits from an early age. Built in the USA (Elkhart, Indiana), the Selmer CL201 has built a foundation of trust with educators around the world.
Leblanc Model L225N
The Leblanc Serenade is the result of combining Leblanc’s rich history of instrument manufacturing, dating back to 1750, with the most modern, cutting edge technology available. Featuring eye catching unstained Grenadilla wood, which is aged for a minimum of ten years, precision engineered key-work and, most importantly, a beautiful rich sound, the Leblanc Serenade is the perfect instrument for every aspiring Clarinetist. Best of all, the Serenade is made in the USA.
The Leblanc Serenade takes many of its cues from our reputation – a beautiful rich sound, exceptional key-work - and brings it forward with great innovations in tone hole placement for superior response and intonation across the range of the instrument, the low E reinforcement bar for added strength on the lower keys and an innovative barrel design to allow just enough resistance for the instrument to speak in the player’s voice. The Serenade is equipped with Valentino synthetic pads and comes with a Leblanc hard rubber mouthpiece. The Leblanc Serenade’s case features backpack straps, shoulder strap and carrying handle for convenience, and also has ample storage in the back pocket. Available with 64mm barrel (L225N64).
Selmer Model 1400B
The top-selling 1400B Model is based on the original designs of George Bundy’s student clarinets, Selmer clarinets offer construction that is built to last a lifetime thanks to its well-built construction dating back to its early history in the 20th century. This clarinet features a large .590” bore that is free blowing and provides a full sound. Larger bore instruments will help students develop lung capacity early on. Large, straight tone holes limit resistance found on undercut instruments making it easy for students to achieve a large full sound early on. Specially designed nickel-silver keys are durable and resistant to bending. Wide pinky key designs make it easy for students with smaller fingers to reach. The satin wood-like finish gives the instrument a sleek elegant look. Built in the USA (Elkhart, Indiana), the Selmer 1400B has built a foundation of trust with educators around the world.
Selmer Model CL301
Like model 1400B mentioned above the model CL301 is based on the original designs of George Bundy’s student clarinets, Selmer clarinets offer construction that is built to last a lifetime. Combining durable nickel silver keys and a satin wood like finish, these instruments will hold up year after year. Unlike the 1400B, the CL301 clarinet is designed to allow players more control, a focused tone, and a smooth scale with even intonation throughout all registers this is accomplished by the design elements of a medium small bore and undercut tone holes.
History of the Clarinet
Learning about the history of the instrument you love playing or are about to learn to play always adds to the fun. The clarinet was invented by Johann Christoph Denner around 1690 in Nuremberg, Germany. He based the clarinet off an earlier instrument called the chalumeau.
Denner and his son added two-finger keys to increase the musical range by more than two octaves. He went on to also improve the mouthpiece and the bell shape at the end of the instrument.
Not too long after the changes were made, the name of the new instrument was coined to Clarinetto. Clarinetto means 'little trumpet' in Italian. The new clarinet quickly replaced the chalumeau thanks to its sound and improved range.
Mozart went on to write a few pieces for the clarinet and by the time Beethoven was in his prime years of his musical career the clarinet was the standard instruments in all orchestras.
More Improvements
Over the years the clarinet continued to evolve. Bass clarinets in Bb were first built to experiment but after 1810 they were built in many different designs. The 1838 design from Adolphe Sax, who was a Belgian instrument maker, influenced the modern version with a twice-curved crook. Eventually, the upturned bell was added to the clarinet.
Additional keys were also added to improve the range. To improve its playability airtight pads were also improved with different materials. In 1812, Iwan Muller created a keypad with fish bladder skin and one covered in leather.
This change in material made a big difference because its predecessors were made from felt which leaked air. Thanks to this change the number of holes on the instrument increased and the number of keys were also increased.
In 1843, Klose adapted the Boehm flute key system to the clarinet. This added a series of rings and axles. The rings and axles made it easier to play and it also gave a wide tone range to the clarinet.
Fast Forward to Today
One of the most versatile instruments in modern musical performance is the soprano clarinet. They make it in several different keys. These include E-flat, B-flat, and A. Large orchestras sometimes include all three.
Rock music sometimes adds the clarinet to its ensemble. You might have heard it before in acts from the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, and Sly, to name a few famous artists that have appreciated the sound of the clarinet.
During the 1940s, when the big-band jazz era period was famous the modern clarinet became very popular right before it was replaced by the saxophone in some compositions. Even with the saxophone discovery, many great jazz bands still feature at least one clarinet.
Something else worth noting is that the clarinet has inspired the invention of other instruments as well. The flutophone is a perfect example of this inspiration.
Time to Choose the Best Clarinet for You
Conn Clarinet Serial Numbers
As you can see you have quite a few options when it comes to choosing the best clarinet out there. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference and the features you are looking for.
Conn Clarinet Serial Number List
Become a part of the rich history that we shared above as you play your next musical piece on your brand new clarinet.
Conn Trombone Serial Number List
Are you ready to make your clarinet purchase? Make sure you contact us today and one of our knowledgeable reps will be more than happy to help you choose the perfect clarinet for you!