Clarinet
Object/Artifact
One hardwood 'piccolo clarinet' marked "M Martin France" on reed clamp with silver keys. This is an Eb Martin clarinet, dating from the 1870's. It can be taken apart in to four sections to be stored in a case.
2002.060.32
Another familiar instrument the clarinet is in the woodwind family. This clarinet is an Eb or E-flat clarinet and is sometimes known a a piccolo or sopranino clarinet. It is smaller than the more common Bb or B-flat clarinet and plays at a higher pitch. A thin reed is attached to the mouthpiece and the musician blows air between the opening and the reed which causes it to vibrate and create sound. Holes can be covered or uncovered by the fingers or by the use of keys. This changes the airflow which then lowers or raises to pitch to produce music.
Genesee Country Village and Museum
M Martin
1870 - 1879
Clarinet
Piccolo
Musical instrument
19 in
2-5/8 in
Clarinet separates into 4 sections; mouthpiece is 3 5/8"; upper body is 6 1/2"; lower body is 7 1/2"; bell is 3 1/4", with bell diameter 2 5/8".
Wood
Silver