The NEW Sonoro SM-R3
The lovely SM-R3 the 3rd iteration of the SM clarinet in hard rubber. 17 keys nickel plated, extra anchored posts and extra low resonance gives an even darker more serious tone to the excellent SM2
Add a custom wooden barrel and bell to this beautiful instrument and it will sound virtually as good as the most expensive grenadilla wood clarinets with the added advantage it cannot crack or warp. The keys are robust and well laid-out to give a comfortable player-friendly feel. Light in weight but dark and serious in sound. Clarinet alone with standard mouthpiece, case, swab, cork lubricant and our peace of mind after sales support this is a must for pro players and amateurs alike.
One of the latest reviews from Razvan Husti student from the Netherlands
“ I visited Les recently and I tried his clarinets. And what clarinets! I was pleasantly surprised with the tone, response, intonation and ease of playing, as well as sturdiness of the keywork of the Soprano (SM series) and the great value for money of the Bass. Definitely an amazing choice for someone on a budget. Amateur, student or professional, or even someone not willing to fall for the trap of spending thousands on some mainstream brands that overcharge for their instruments. I played and tried many of the mainstream professional clarinets over the years and I must say, I found some which performed at way lower standards than Les' and cost 4x more.
Don't be fooled by the hard rubber construction! They sound really good! Especially with the very nice and heavy wooden bell and barrel.
Les is also very knowledgeable and fine tunes each clarinet to play as good as it possibly can. I can say he's very, very meticulous in that aspect.
Looking forward to visiting Monmouth and Les again! “
- Razvan Husti, Utrecht , Netherlands, Nov 2024
The Craven Sonoro SM / SM2
We are pleased to announce the arrival of the new SM2 with adjusting screws on middle linkage and the crows foot. The SM 2 is also available in Silver plating as well as the standard Nickel.
These clarinets are Ideal for all levels whether pro, student or amateur.
Delivers a silky smooth, rounded , yet focussed sound across all registers making crossing the break effortless.
Ring-less construction and all-round quality includes many anchored posts only found on more expensive brands and belies the price.
Light to hold, a joy for those who find the weight of a wooden clarinet too much.
Made from natural hard rubber a sustainable resource , it resists heat and chemicals.
Little bore resistance means that very little effort is required to emit the sound and makes it an ideal instrument for those on a limited budget. The Sonoro SM delivers much more than a student clarinet having tonal characteristics that any professional player would be proud of.
The bell is very robust and gives a deep resonance to the lower notes in the chalumeau – a striking depth of sound for such an inexpensive clarinet.
Below: One of the reviews from a delighted customer in Dublin (for more reviews of both Ridenour and Craven Sonoro products go to customer reviews)
“I have Les’s new Sonoro SM Bb, with his Craven mouthpiece and Silverstein ligature, and it is an absolute joy to play. He set it up himself, and it responds to the lightest breath. The insight and expertise that he puts into his service and into the instruments is just superb, priceless, and extremely welcome. In short, getting a clarinet from Les is like getting a light saber from Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Liam Borgstrom – Dublin
A sound clip of Leslie Craven and Robert Watson playing the SM Sonoro B Flat and A clarinets together.
The reverse view.
Black case - both cases have back straps and an additional shoulder strap
Ask about our custom barrel and bells available as a separate customisation either as a pair or individually (see Barrels and Bells)
Ergonomic key design fits nicely in the hands.
The logo - your guarantee of excellence and service.
The robust Crow's Foot mechanism and pad cup arms .
Snug fitting deep wells hold the clarinet securely (Inside the black case).
Silicone coated water resistant white, leather pads.
Buy a pair and benefit from a huge discount on the A clarinet
The adjustable thumb rest has a ring at the top to attach a sling to take the weight of the instrument.
Capacious double case supplied with a pair of clarinets suspends them without touching the outer walls thereby giving greater protection from impact.
Pricing + Packages
Standard package:
Sonoro SM-R3 - £825 or Special package with custom barrel and bell £1,025 includes professional Craven Sonoro hand crafted mouthpiece and a Silverstein quattro ligature
Sonoro SM or Sonoro SM2 - £795 or £825 in Silver
Standard Bb clarinet mouthpiece Free Silverstein Quattro ligature if available or custom engraved design silver ligature
Two different-sized standard hard rubber barrels with optional upgrade to custom wooden barrel and bell (+£205)
Clarinet swab, Ultimax cork grease
LC Craven Sonoro Clarinet Case in black
Optional Customisations and savings if bought with a clarinet:
+ Craven Mouthpiece (RRP £190). £150 save £40
+ Silverstein Quattro Ligature - free whilst stock lasts or custom engraved Silver ligature
+ Custom Wooden Barrel + Bell (RRP £245 for the pair): + £205 save £40
+ Lightweight Double Case (RRP £220): + £180 save £40
The Double SM / SM2 Package
SM Sonoro Bb or SM2 + SM Sonoro A Clarinet
Free Craven Sonoro mouthpiece plus Spare standard mouthpiece, Free Silverstein Quattro ligature and omnicap
Two different sized barrels for each clarinet (four total)
Clarinet Swab and Ultimax Cork Grease
Lightweight Double Case
Total: £1,650
To enquire about a purchase, or if you have any questions, please click the button below: