Klarinet Archive - Posting 000036.txt from 1997/05

From: deerich@-----.net
Subj: An older clarinet
Date: Fri, 2 May 1997 18:16:52 -0400

When I was in elementary school, I started the clarinet on an instrument
that a friend of my father's gave us. I still have that clarinet but
would like to find some information on it. The following information is
inscribed on the bell:

G. Pruefer
MFR.
PROV. R.I.
Carl Fisher
EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR

On the back of the upper joint is the number 9201 (I guess this may be a
serial number).

What I would like to try to determine is the approximate date of
manufacture. I would like to know something about the company that made
it and the general quality of that line of clarinets. This particular
instrument has a good sound and plays quite well although the throat
tones are quite sharp if one forgets to pull the barrel. This
instrument has a fairly thin wall, making it quite light for a wooden
instrument. The metal used for the keys is it bit soft as they are very
prone to get bent.

I have had this instrument myself for 36 years and I know that the man
who owned it before me played it when he was in high school and he is at
least in his late 60's if not older. I no longer use this clarinet but
I still play (I bought a used Leblanc when I was in high school).

Thanks for any help that you can send me.