Here we have a stunning contrabass clarinet made by the firm Prof. Romeo Orsi. Born in Como, Italy, Romeo ORSI (1843-1918), was a prestigious clarinettist at the Milan La Scala opera house and clarinet teacher at the Royal Conservatory of Milan. He started a business partnership with the woodwind instrument maker Paolo MAINO (?-1881), called Maino & Orsi. The company was very successful and produced the entire range of wind instruments. On Maino’s death, Romeo Orsi continued the company. It was renamed “Prof. Romeo Orsi” after the death of Romeo while under the management of his sons. The company still exists today. There is also a Orsi instrument collection website in progress in Italy. 

This vintage contrabass clarinet has the serial number 2.689 and was made in 1979. We know that because we have its original certificate 😊. It is a B-flat instrument, model 47 S. It has a gold-plated bell interior which is engraved on the outside with ORSI MILANO. The inner bore is 33 mm. The instrument is in fabulous condition and plays very nicely. It comes with its original stand, mouthpiece and case.