Serial numbers - Rossi

Luis Rossi began experimenting with clarinet design and building in the late 1980s. Rossi instruments feature hand-carved thumb rests, split register vent / throat Bb key, and all the other standard features of Rossi clarinets. At that time, he was using a sleeve insert in the barrel, which fits into an indentation in the top of the body to eliminate the gap caused by pulling out the barrel for tuning. Both models currently being manufactured (Honduran one-piece and Bb Cocobolo) have alternate Ab / Eb keys for the left-hand little finger (side lever). Both are large bore (English model) instruments. Rossi now offers three bore configurations (English, French, and American) in at least four woods (East African blackwood, cocobolo, and two other varieties of dalbergia). Between 1990 and 1994, changes included: removal of the barrel sleeve, addition of "ivory" rings, tone holes inserted with hard rubber for better sealing, and slight adjustments to the key mechanism's appearance and positioning.