Clarinet in B-flat

William S. Haynes Co.

1930 · Silver · Musical Instruments

Because it is easier to play music in flat keys on a B-flat clarinet and sharp keys on an A, orchestral players use a pair of clarinets. However, switching between them without an opportunity to warm up the instrument can cause intonation problems. These "thermoclarinets," patented by Haynes, have a double-wall construction that enables the player to quickly and silently bring the whole instrument to a uniform temperature by exhaling warm air into the cavity between the walls.

Artist

William S. Haynes Co.

Date

1930

Medium

Silver

Culture

American

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Purchase, Robert Alonzo Lehman Bequest, 2012