After a lot of work in the workshop recently, I can finally share some really good news: It is now possible to place orders for Meråker clarinets. After producing the first batch of clarinets in January, the instrument is ready for sale - and I can't wait to get more of these rare shepherd's clarinets out into the world.
A number of people have sent pre-orders and expressed interest already, and those who are already on the list are of course first in line. I will contact you and follow up in order - so if you have expressed interest earlier, you will not be forgotten.
A rare Norwegian shepherd's clarinet
The Meråker Clarinet is a rare norwegian shepherd's clarinet with roots from the mountain village of Meråker in Trøndelag. In many ways, the instrument is an ancestor of today's orchestral clarinet, and the Meråker clarinet combines the distinctive sound and history of the old shepherd's instruments with the playing technique of modern clarinets. That's why the Meråker clarinet is just as suitable for folk musicians as for clarinettists - and for other reed players who want a natural entry into folk music.
The Meråker clarinet was originally known locally as a «flute» and was an instrument used by shepherds and young boys in Stordalen in Meråkar. In the early 1900s, the instrument was almost forgotten along with the traditional use of summer mountain pasture, but enjoyed a renaissance in the 1950s when Harald Gilland resumed production and modernised the design. After Gilland, the tradition was continued by Nils Underhaug in Meråker - from whom I learnt the craft.
The clarinets I make are a continuation of this tradition, and follow the modernised design that has made the instrument playable in combination with other instruments.
Read more about the history and background here: https://www.blasemaker.no/merakerklarinetten/