I have just bought a very small clarinet - I am not sure what key it's in, what reeds it takes, if it is Bohem (I don't think so ..), if it's a soprano or sopranino .. 48cms from bec to bell - anyone any ideas ? It has no name just a number on the back - the key work is cheap looking ... I love it to bits but can't play it till I have a reed ! HELP

I'm at work and don't have my clarinet to hand, but it sounds like you've got an Eb clarinet:

"Ebonite Albert system Eb clarinet with 13 German silver keys, signed "BOOSEY & CO / MAKERS / LONDON / 12996" made c.1897. Overall length 48.0cm. "

These are a bit harder to play than the more common Bb clarinets, but extremely useful in bands, clarinet choirs, orchestras. From what I've read, the trick is in finding a good mouthpiece for it.

An article about making a reed here:

http://www.ehow.com/how_5430972_make-eb-so...inet-reeds.html

Most clarinetists have some low strength reeds they don't need any more, so you could steal a few and have a go.

Is there no logo on it at all? I'd like to know who made it.

The very cheapest Eb clarinet I know is from Packer, UK:
http://www.johnpacker.co.uk/Catalogue/Wood...-NP-Keys-101851



Steve


I wonder if it's the 'Kinder clarinet'?

http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Clarin...derclarinet.htm

Are those red leather pads I can see?

Very nice!

Steve

Very strange red leather pads ?!? Not sure about those !!
It has a number but no name - the mouth piece is in perfect condition - thanks for the tip about the reeds - I'll have a go

Totally stupid thought but would soprano Sax reeds work?

Not sure the length of the mouth piece is 6cm with the opening of 0.75 cm VERY SMALL !!
And it only has 12 silver keys !!

Sounds really cute! Don't really know how big the reeds are for Sop. The mouth pieces are small. come to think about it what about "ninos" and Soprillos what do people do for those?

A friendly Sax specialist shop might be able to help.

oH IT IS REALLY CUTE ! I can't wait to try and play it (probably impossible ...) but it came as a big (or rather small) surprise !! I thought I was buying an old broken clarinet just for breaking !

Cannot in any way guarantee I'll know, but if you let me know what the serial number is Trudi, I might be able to deduce something, particularly if the serial number is unusual (like if it contains letters as well as numbers)...