Sherwood HR

Serial # 26044Barrel: non-original Normandy 66.1Bore LH joint top: 14.7mm metal lined and exactly like the Pruefer “Silver Throat.”Bore LH joint at bottom: 14.7mmI did not complete the intonation testing because I found that this instrument plays at High Pitch (A=455-457). It plays well in tune at that pitch level. With the 66mm barrel, it basically plays at A=449. With a 62.9mm barrel it plays almost at A=455.Update from Dec. 2011: I now think that this was not designed as a high pitch instrument, as the manufacture was around 1950. It was just made incredibly sharp and must be pulled out way more than is normal. See the Pruefer page.The key work looks like it might be Czech. Many of the LH key cups are 10mm, 1mm larger than normal. There is a Czech style register key. The key work is sturdy enough. The rings are wide and comfortable.I suspect this clarinet was only assembled, not fully MADE in the US of A. The clarinet body might have been made in the USA, as I have come across other HR clarinets with a brass tube in the LH joint that said that.

This clarinet will only be useful for someone wanting to play with other antique high pitched instruments, such as an old accordion.