This seven-ring, three-piece vintage metal clarinet has no maker’s marks on it, only “MADE IN GERMANY”) on its adjustable barrel. It has been restored, repadded and recorked, with one spring that still needs occasional re-tweaking (there’s a temporary jury rig on it now, works fine, see photo).
What is it? Betting it’s a Conn (either a second or a stencil awaiting a final brand), as the bell seam ring is identical to a Conn, it is large-bore, and sounds as large and loud as that suggests (bigger than my Silva-Bet or Silva King). It’s also a little pitchy (a trifle high in the throat, which keeping lower holes covered adjusts for well enough), something the Conn metals are also known for.
It’s a work in progress (the barrel assembly is also a bit of a mystery, likely added later, more there than meets the eye in its design), for which I spent $75 to start, before a couple of hundred for restoration. Ultimately, its true origin will likely remain shrouded in mystery, though being seven-ring and three-piece (neither that common in metal clarinets outside of the pro lines), it was surely on the pricier side and meant for higher-level players.
