Euler clarinets

[Gerry Evoniuk <Gerald.Evoniuk@asu.edu>]

[Moderator's note:  This message was originally posted on 8/23. Apologies 
for the delay in forwarding it to the list.]

The School of Music here at Arizona State Univ. recently received two Euler 
(Frankfurt) clarinets. They are made of an orange colored wood with a nice 
flame I 'm guessing (uneducated) of boxwood. Both instruments have wood 
mpouthpieces one is imprinted Euler One instrument is in the key of A and 
the other is Bb. Both instruments have ivory fittings and are in quite good 
shape considering the age (I believe Langwill listed them at mid 1800's).  
They are not playable and the we are wondering how best to put them to use. 
One thought is to put them in playing condition and use them to play period 
pieces for pedagogical reasons.

As a repairman I am aware that often instruments of this age are not put 
into playing condition. I will need to present the pro's and con's of 
restoration to our faculty and need more information.

Mechanically,  the instruments have no cracks but all the keys bind in the 
slots. They need all new pads. Since the keys are held in place with brass 
drift pins it is a distinct possibility the keys are binding due to bent or 
coorroded pins. In this case what are the accepted techniques to remove the 
pins without damageing the wood.

Is there something special to know about the finish of the wood, oiling the 
bore , etc..

What is the value of instruments such as these? Since they are a "matched 
pair" does that affect the value?

Any and all information will be appreciated.

Thank you




Gerald Evoniuk
Instrument repair technician
School of Music, Box 870405
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85287-0405
(602)965-4502
Fax 602-965-2659
email Gerald.Evoniuk@ASU.EDU