A new Albert system clarinet?

December 13, 2007 at 10:00 PM by HELLAS | Posted in R&B & Soul

Q: Does anyone know where I could buy a new Albert system clarinet in the Chicago area? I am looking for the b flat and an A buffet clarinet. I know no one uses the Albert system clarinet anymore, but I play the Greek music and the Boehm system doesn't sound right for that type of music.

December 15, 2007 at 07:22 AM by Eric S

A: I can tell you what NOT to buy- avoid the Made in India clarinets you find on Ebay for anything from $4.99 to $24.99. They are not well made, but the BIG rip off is the shipping, which is around $70.00- some people have had decent results from these instruments, but at the least they'll need adjustments- at the worst they'll fall apart.. A vintage instrument might be your best choice, but be careful- I bought one but it turned out to be an obsolete High Pitch instrument- A430something instead of A440. If your ensemble plays in high pitch, maybe we can do business..

After you've gone - Albert (simple) system clarinet

The simple system or Albert system clarinet (German) was widely used in New Orleans in the early days of jazz and has a distinctive tone. Listen ...