472NB CONN Wood Alto Clarinet

Review CONN Vintage Model Wood Alto Clarinet

The Conn 472NB Alto Clarinet is a vintage wood clarinet, hailing from the golden era of Conn instrument production in the 1950s. This clarinet showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and rich tonal qualities that have made Conn an iconic name in the world of woodwind instruments.

The body of this Conn 472NB Alto Clarinet is crafted from beautiful, well-seasoned African Blackwood. Blackwood is renowned for its dense, straight grain, which contributes to a clarinet's superior acoustic properties. The wood body provides a resonant and warm sound, allowing the clarinet to produce a rich, full-bodied tone.

The keywork on this Conn 472NB Alto Clarinet is made from high-quality nickel-silver, a material that is both durable and responsive. The keys are meticulously crafted and finely adjusted to ensure a smooth and consistent performance. The undercut tone holes and carefully designed pads contribute to an even and well-focused sound, allowing for excellent intonation and response across all registers.

One of the standout features of this Conn 472NB Alto Clarinet is its vintage design, which includes the iconic Conn "bullet" key guards. These key guards not only add a touch of classic elegance to the instrument but also provide an ergonomic grip for the performer, enhancing their control and comfort during play.

The Conn 472NB Alto Clarinet comes with a vintage-style leather-covered case, which offers both style and protection for the instrument. The case features ample padding and separate compartments for the clarinet, mouthpiece, reeds, and other accessories.

In summary, the Conn 472NB Alto Clarinet is a stunning vintage instrument that combines the rich, warm tone of African Blackwood with the responsiveness and durability of nickel-silver keywork. Its vintage design, exceptional craftsmanship, and consistent performance make it an ideal choice for both professional musicians and dedicated enthusiasts.

The Conn 472NB Alto Clarinet, a vintage wood-body instrument produced in 1951, is an intriguing option for clarinetists seeking a unique sound and appearance. Here are some pros and cons to help you make an informed decision about purchasing this instrument:

1. Unique Tone: Vintage clarinets like the Conn 472NB are known for their rich, warm, and distinctive tone. This can be an attractive feature for players looking to differentiate their sound from that of modern clarinets.

2. Authentic Feel: The wooden body and keys offer a more traditional playing experience, which some musicians prefer over the plastic or keyless design of modern clarinets.

3. Aesthetic Appeal: The vintage appearance and craftsmanship of the Conn 472NB can be an attractive addition to any music collection or performance setting.

4. Potential Investment: Vintage instruments like this one have the potential to increase in value over time, making them a worthwhile investment for those interested in collecting.

1. Maintenance and Repairs: Vintage clarinets require more frequent maintenance and repairs compared to modern instruments. The wooden body and keys are more susceptible to damage from humidity, temperature changes, and normal wear and tear.

2. Tuning Stability: Older clarinets may not tune as stable as their modern counterparts, which can be a challenge for players who require consistent intonation.

3. Limited Availability: Finding a Conn 472NB in good condition can be difficult due to its age and limited production. This may result in higher prices and longer wait times for potential buyers.

4. Potential Cost: The cost of a vintage Conn 472NB can be significantly higher than that of a new, modern clarinet. This may be a barrier for some musicians, especially those just starting their clarinet journey.

The Conn 472NB Alto Clarinet offers a unique tone, authentic feel, aesthetic appeal, and potential investment value. However, it also requires more maintenance, may not tune as consistently, and has limited availability at potentially high costs. Ultimately, the decision to purchase this instrument depends on your individual preferences, playing style, and financial considerations. If you are a collector, value the unique sound and feel of vintage instruments, and are willing to invest in the necessary maintenance and upkeep, then the Conn 472NB may be the right choice for you. If you are a beginner or require a more stable and consistent instrument for regular performance, it may be worth considering a modern clarinet instead.

Details:

There is a flat dent in the bottom of bell. There is a long crack in the upper section that has been repaired as shown and does not leak,there short one on opposite side also it appears pins were used, pads need to be replaced they show wear, all keys move freely. Short clip attached with me playing some notes though i'm not a clarinet player I played sax years ago. Case is well worn consistent with age.

Selling as is shown. There are some screws showing at the top of upper section that were used to secure a lyre was removed.

specifications windwoodvintage:

• brand: Conn
• mpn: 472nb
• type: Alto
• body material: Wood
• custom bundle: No
• exact year: 1951

offer windwoodvintage:

• started: december 28, 2025
• availability: in stock
• options: ship-to-home
• sold #: 9
• prices: $150.00–$999.00
• item condition:
  • Used
  • New
  • For parts or not working
• in stock #: 5
• best offers: true

payments windwoodvintage:

• wallet: google-pay
• credit card: discover
• other
• cash

seller windwoodvintage:

• # reviews: 10081
• rating: 100.0%
• city: chicago, illinois

returns windwoodvintage:

• policy: no returns

general windwoodvintage:

• category: Musical Instruments > Vintage Woodwind > Band Orchestral > Clarinets

shipping windwoodvintage:

• service: usps ground advantage, usps priority mail
• carrier: usps
• type: calculated
• transit: 5-9 days
• class: standard, expedited