French Engineer?

[allen lutins]

Just picked up a purple clarinet at auction for only $25 because...purple! Obviously a student model, and no serial number that I can locate. The only identifying mark is on the bell: "The Classic" inside a simple wreath, with "By French Engineer" below that (attempting to attach image file; I seldom use this forum and am unsure how to embed it). Is there anything more to be known about this item? Thanks!

[DaveLeBlanc]

I am almost certain that this is a Chinese plastic clarinet, made in a variety of colors. Most of these aren't really worth trying to play due to quality control and overall quality issues.

A hallmark of Chinese clarinets is slightly odd grammar and wording - "By French Engineer" doesn't really make much sense. Even "By A French Engineer" is odd, as who's the engineer?

You'll see all sorts of variations on these odd texts, like "From German Engineering" or "Designed by German," etc.

[allen lutins]

Thanks Dave!

Say, are you the guy that made my bass clarinet?   

[DaveLeBlanc]

Man, I wish I was... I'm certainly the guy who can fix it, though 

[DaveLeBlanc]

If you're looking for a real quality colored clarinet, you can keep an eye out for the Vito Dazzler series. They made a rainbow of colors and are very high quality and excellent players. Often quite expensive, those who know what they have tend to sell them for about $300.

Those who don't sell them for $25 as they assume that any colored clarinet is a CCC - Cheap Chinese Clarinet. Years ago I picked up an ivory colored Dazzler for all of $23. Ended up selling for around $350 if I recall. Insane.

[windydankoff]

I think you have it figured out, Dave. Earlier Chinese clarinets could be real trash. More recent ones can be fairly good, with some loving quality control.

I have a beautiful orange-red Vito Dazzler if anyone is interested. I agree, it's well made and plays very well.

[super20dan]

my white dazzler is awesume . very good for a student model

[DaveLeBlanc]

Dan, I agree. Vitos in general are really quite excellent. I don't know if its the placebo effect, but the Dazzlers seem to play even sweeter than their general equivalents.

[brigaltman]

I needed an inexpensive Eb clarinet and bought one of the Chinese instruments on eBay. I decided to return it and ended up getting a refund and the instrument. It made a really cute lamp.