Bilton Bb Soprano Clarinet, Circa 1826 HISTORIC COLLECTION

Bilton Bb Soprano Clarinet, Circa 1826

This exquisite Bb soprano clarinet, crafted by the reputable maker Bilton in London, dates back to approximately 1826. During this era, the woodwind family was witnessing significant transformations in both design and performance capabilities. Bilton, known for meticulous craftsmanship, contributed notable innovations to the development of clarinets in early 19th-century England.

Design Features

Constructed from rich, resonant boxwood, this instrument embodies the elegance of early clarinet design. This five-piece body design was a distinctive feature of the period, providing enhanced tuning and tonal adjustment capabilities. The instrument's key mounts combine brass and ivory, a popular material choice in the era, offering durability and sophistication in the visual presentation. The eight-key system showcased here reflects the transitional phase from simpler two- or four-keyed clarinets to more complex systems that allowed for greater musical range and expressivity. This Bilton clarinet is a valuable asset for collectors, scholars, and museums seeking to expand their collections in the area of early 19th-century woodwinds. Its design and materials provide significant insight into the period's technological advancements and aesthetic values. As part of The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds Historic Collection, it stands as a testament to the rich history of musical instrument evolution.

Condition Report

The instrument is preserved in fair condition, consistent with its age and intended use as a historical artifact. Natural wear on the boxwood and patina on the metal elements reflect its storied past. Collectors and historians will find particular interest in the craftsmanship and historical usage evident upon detailed examination. Please note, this instrument is not guaranteed for playability and should be appreciated as a collector's or museum piece. 

As this instrument is historically interesting, we have chosen to not do restoration work on it and leave that to the eventual owner. Instrument will need pad and keywork to be playable.

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We want you to be happy and satisfied with your purchase, and we offer an unconditional 30 day return policy. If you are unhappy with your item for any reason, just return it for a full refund or full credit towards an exchange. (Reeds and other consumables are non-returnable once opened.)

We warranty every item we sell to be free of mechanical defects. If you find an issue with your purchase, please contact us. We will either reimburse you to have any minor repairs completed by your local repair shop, or we will send you a label to cover all return postage charges so that we can either repair your instrument, exchange your instrument, or issue you a refund for your instrument. We stand behind our products, and we truly want you to be happy.

Please note that if you simply change your mind about the purchase of an item - if you find that it's just not the one for you - you are still entitled to a full refund. We do not routinely charge a restocking fee; however, you will be responsible for the expense involved in shipping the item back to us if you have not purchased free returns through Redo at checkout. (Redo is available for domestic sales in the US only - international customers will be responsible for return shipping). Upon receipt of your return, our technicians will go over the instrument to ensure everything is in the same condition in which it was sold. Damage to the instrument, missing accessories, or unauthorized alterations/repairs may affect your refund. Your refund will be processed within 5 business days of our receipt of your return.

If more than five returns are requested within a calendar year, a 20% restocking fee will be assessed for every return moving forward for that calendar year.

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