Wolfgang Küss (c1779-1834) was an Austrian woodwind instrument maker whose firm was active in the early- to mid-19th century. Many of his surviving instruments have elaborately carved barrels and bells, especially his clarinets. In 1821 Küss took out an add warning the public against counterfeits bearing his mark, suggesting that someone was counterfeiting his instruments. After his death in 1834 his wife, Barbara, took over the business. His maker’s mark was a Hapsburg Eagle above his name (Küß) and location (Wein).
Technical description: Dark brown stained maple with brass ferrules and keywork. Unperforated brass crook. Wing with metal-lined tuning-slide in upper part with extending touches. C finger-hole bushed with ivory. Bell with flaring bore and Dresden external profile.
L0: T; B♭; harm 2; harm 1; D.
L1: T.
L2: T.
L3: T; E♭₃.
L4: E♭₂.
R0: T; C♯; F♯.
R1: T. R2: T.
R3: T; B♭.
R4: F; A♭.
Keyhead type: Round cup keys.
Keymount type: Wood knob and recesses in body wood; pinned.
Usable pitch: Low pitch, A₄ = c 430 Hz.
Performance characteristics: Plays nicely.
Signature marks: Stamped on butt "Küss / Wien".
Specific literature references: G.S. (1968) No. 248.
Illustration references: G.S. (1968) Plate XI(1); Vol. 1 p.86 (detail of turning joint and extending keys).
Current ownership: Gift of L.G. Langwill, 1981.
