That extra key is very unusual and was not a standard McIntyre feature. That's a double register key, most often seen in very old 19th century alto and bass clarinets. There's not much reason for a double register in a smaller clarinet simply due to the physics of it all.

All modern alto and bass clarinets have a double register, but it's usually a much different module than the two keys next to each other, which I have never seen in any modern clarinet besides the example you posted.

Found some documentation on the McIntyre at: Checklist of McIntyre System Clarinets at the National Music Museum (nmmusd.org)  This version refers to a later patent from 1962 which shows keywork like the instrument I bought.  The earlier patent shows a modified "A" key that is not on the later patent.


Also found the same info, plus an estimated value at: [size=78%]I have a Vintage McIntyre System Clarinet, complete, and in very good condition. The Serial Number is 5059, and it was (justanswer.com)[/size]

$1,000 is a VERY OPTIMISTIC value. I don't see any realistic world where a McIntyre would be worth any more than $500. They regularly trade in the $300 range. I even saw a McIntyre ALTO clarinet sell for just $600.

Realistic value for a restored McIntyre is no more than $500 in my opinion. There is simply not enough demand for this item. It's a museum piece for sure, but with a dearth of spet collectors, and the relative abundance with respect to demand, there's no world where I see a McIntyre ever fetching anywhere close to a grand.

That actually looks a bit newer than 60s. Probably closer to 80s if not even early 90s, that logo style is pretty recent.

Gorgeous interpretation of a true classic!

I've never played an SML bass, but I've had a couple sopranos in the shop. I really liked the quality of the wood, if nothing else.

I thought alto was just short for contra alto ...or are they seperate instruments?

Entirely different. Bass clarinet is one octave lower than the soprano clarinet.
Likewise, the contra alto is one octave lower than the alto.

The contra alto is pretty much the last clarinet you can reasonably play sitting down; the straight contrabass need a 7 foot tall player or they need to stand up.

If nothing else, a great practice in conservation. I’d get it for $20

I gotta see that mouthpiece. You guys know I'm the logo-gilding maestro! I do prefer seeing the originals though, nothing like good, old-fashioned craftsmanship.