Klarinet Archive - Posting 000002.txt from 1994/07

From: Clark W Fobes <reedman@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: metal clarinets, help with headers
Date: Fri, 1 Jul 1994 01:50:13 -0400

On Thu, 30 Jun 1994, Robert Zegarac wrote:

> A couple of days ago, someone mentioned that they owned some metal clarinets.
> I recently purchased one at an antique dealer. It was made by Harry Peddler
> of Elkhart, IN. I was amazed at how good it sounded when I placed my Pyne
> mouthpiece on it. I know about the problems with these things, but I think
the
> instrument has "character". Anyway, does anyone know how I can determine how
> old this thing is? I think the company is no longer in business. In
addition,
> where else would you look for these instruments other than at antique dealers?
>
> Also, the mail I receive from this list doesn't contain all the header info I
> would like. Does anyone know what I need to tell the listserver in order to
> get them? I can't tell who the original sender of the note is because I don't
> get the "From:" line. Thanks.
>
> Robert M. Zegarac
> OV: ZEGARARM@-----.com
>
You must be referring to Harry Walter Pedler (One d) b England 1872, d
Elkhart 1950 Worked first for Rudall Carte & Co. ; 1905 emigrated to US
working for Conn. 19169 established American Manufacturing co. with GRONERT.
On death of GRONERT 1919 it became the Harry Pedler Co. Retires 1930.
Succeeded by John Henry Martin (MArtin Saxophones)in 1936 becomes "The
Pedler Co." Specialized in metal clarinets and bass clarinets.

The above is a slightly praphrased excerpt from "The New Langwill Index".

When I was a young man just starting instrument repair in Fresno, CA. I
saw lots of these old clarinets. The school system actually had a Pedler
bass clarinet, silver plated with a GOLD plated bell. It was a real pain
to keep in adjustment , but it played exceptionally well. One piece body
I believe.

There were so many metal clarinets made that they don't really have any
antique value. The exception would be the beautiful "Thermal bore" or
double walled silver clarinets made by William S. Haynes.

I would NOT look at antique shops. Go into any Music store that has been
in business for at least 10 years and they will probably have some metal
clarinets they would be happy to unload. Don't pay more than $35 - $50.
They make nice looking lamps.

Clark W Fobes