Bilton Bb Soprano Clarinet, Circa 1826-1856 HISTORIC COLLECTION

Bilton Bb Soprano Clarinet - Circa 1826-1856

This exquisite Bilton Bb soprano clarinet originates from the bustling musical hub of London, crafted sometime between 1826 and 1856. Designed in the era when clarinet innovations were reaching significant heights, this remarkable artifact showcases the fine craftsmanship and musical heritage of its maker, Bilton. The instrument features a classic 13-key system, echoing the Muller design popular during this period.

Material and Design

The clarinet is constructed from finely preserved boxwood, a material widely esteemed for its durability and tonal qualities in the 19th century. The keys are mounted with an elegant combination of brass and ivory, lending both aesthetic appeal and historical authenticity to this piece. These materials were meticulously chosen to enhance both the visual and functional aspects of the instrument, reflecting the luxurious standards of its time.

Historical Context

The 1826-1856 period is significant in the realm of woodwind development as it marked a transition from earlier reed woodwinds to more sophisticated key systems, greatly influenced by Theobald Boehm. Bilton, being a London-based maker, contributed to this evolution by crafting instruments that balanced tradition with emerging advancements, such as the Muller-inspired keyed mechanisms seen here.

Condition Report

This clarinet is offered in a condition consistent with its age, exhibiting wear and patina indicative of its extensive history. Despite its sound structural integrity, this instrument is not guaranteed to be playable. It should be considered a historical artifact and valued for its cultural and academic significance rather than its musical capabilities. This instrument is not guaranteed to be playable and is intended as a historical artifact only. It serves as a valuable piece for collectors, researchers, museums, and academic institutions seeking to explore the rich tapestry of wind instrument history. The Bilton Bb soprano clarinet is an exceptional museum-grade piece, offering profound insights into the materials, design, and legacy of early 19th-century woodwind innovations. A true collector's piece, it invites exploration and study.

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 likely 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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