My first SML (Strasser)

[Windsong]

I don't buy 5 clarinets a month anymore.  In fact, over the last year, I have only bought 5 and I have rid myself of 15, so I think the clarinet 12-step program is working.

That said, I have wanted the SML experience for a long time now, and can finally scratch it off my bucket list. 

Initial impressions are excellent; all parts are unmangled and crack free, tenons are free from chips, and I even won the mouthpiece lottery with two Steel Ebonite K9s.  Four good ligs, a french MP cap, a clamp-on lyre, and the original, grotesque case round out the deal.

Going by reports (which have changed order since I first began paying attention to them), the Strasser is the bottom of the S-M-L line.  With regard to this particular clarinet, anyway, clearly that is not the case.  This hosts an early 1940s logo, and things must have been different before the uniform logo change.  In fact, there is no SML stamping on any of the pieces.

There are many mysterious features found on this specimen:  The 5 lower joint spatula key pads are a mystery to me, and I can only assume the 5th pad was added to better regulate pitch. The center tenon and socket are metal, and do not appear to have been augmented. The keys have a vibrant silver plate with very little noted wear.  There is a double adjustment on the crowsfoot, as well as a nifty adjustment on the bridge mechanism.  This is also a 7-ring model.  These are not features found on student horns.

This filthy thing has not been played in forever, and needs a spa week, which it is about to receive.

I would love to hear from any of you who can shoot me straight on SMLs, here, as precious little can be found.

[Windsong]

A couple more snaps, pre-cleaning:

[Jeabrams]

A tip on your earlier question about the H Freeman, compare the key work to the Strasser...
Looks awful close? Especially G# And A key set........ bridge is a bit different but the Shapes of the register key,and the spatulas is tooooooo close

[Windsong]

There are indeed some similarities, but the Strasser is approximately 11 years newer, and still lacks lower post locks. The key touches on the Strasser are a notably (but uniformly) wider, too.  The G#/A cluster is indeed very similar, and SML still beat Buffet to the punch on that feature.

Also, this odd 5th pad for the spatulas is not anything I have ever seen before.  The placement of the pad cups is also odd, but justified, perhaps, by the extra tone or pitch-shaping pad.  The register key on this Strasser is actually a bit offset to the left which I frankly think is brilliant, being actuated by the left thumb and makes good use of this slight bias.

The socket rings are also massive --certainly larger than those of any other clarinet I can recall.


I was a bit surprised to see that this is a small bore clarinet.  Top Joint reads .570"/.575", top to bottom, respectively.  I will probably not be keeping this horn as a result, since I typically do not like clarinets with a bore under .585", but once it has been restored, we shall see what sound it can produce.

I was a bit disappointed to take this measurement, honestly, since SMLs are typically regarded as big bore instruments.

[Jeabrams]

I wonder what shop did the keywork? Perhaps that is a connection? I find the similarity in shapes and stylization very very similar

[Windsong]

Absolutely, and every manufacturer did not manufacture their own keys.  They may have mixed and matched or tweaked designs they admired from other manufacturers *just enough* to be safe from accusations or litigation.

[Jeabrams]

German? It does not look Italian ....🧐

[Windsong]

The top and bottom joint came apart in 30 minutes over casual morning coffee.  Literally no frozen screws or broken springs, and again--just about no wear on the keys.  Tone hole chamfers and chimneys look great, as well.
This ought to restore nicely, if I can remember how the lower joint maze of keys goes back together.  There *may* be a hairline in the bell, but I am not yet convinced. It could be superficial.

Having been wiped down with orange oil yesterday, and soaked with Almond oil today, the whole shebang will marinate in ziplocks for a week or two, while I measure pad cups and get my order in for sizes.

Cork reliefs are extremely shallow, unfortunately, and will take paper thin tenon corks.  I am almost willing to use thread when I see them this shallow.

A TINY monogrammed SML was found under the register key, between posts, and the typical indentations for keywork and batch marks are all visible now.  I see lots of custom handwork which makes me smile.

More to follow-

[Windsong]

French

[Jeabrams]

Well that narrow it down a little bit
More - maybe?🤔