Klarinet Archive - Posting 000090.txt from 1997/06

From: deerich@-----.net
Subj: Re: What's a "Preufer"?
Date: Tue, 10 Jun 1997 04:20:10 -0400

Frederick S. Sterns wrote:
>
> A local antique/junk dealer has a Bb clarinet with "Preufer" of
> "Providence, R.I" stamped on the upper section. Just below that logo are
> the words "Silver Throat."
>
> Everything but the bell seems to be wood...although what kind is uncertain.
> The keys appear to be stamped nickel with a pretty solid look. The serial
> number is in the 44000s.
>
> Can anyone offer information on this history and/or quality of such a
> "Preufer" instrument?
>
> Thanks much...Fred S.

I can't really offer any information, however I also have a Pruefer. It
is all wood, is stamped ARTIST MODEL, and the serial number is 9021.
However the keys are soft on this one and they bend easily. I believe
it to be an intermediate quality instrument as it has a metal tenon cap
at the top of the upper joint

Mine is stamped as follows:

G. PRUEFER
-MFR-
PROV. R.I.
Carl Fischer
Exclusive Distributer

My father was given this instrument by a friend when I wanted to play in
the school band. My father's friend had played it when he was in
school. That means that my particular instrument is at least 45 years
old.

I have also been seeking information on the Pruefer clarinet and have
had no success. If you do find out anything, let me know.

Although I moved up to a LeBlanc in high school a few years later, I
kept the instrument. It has an excellant sound but it is built sharp.
This works well for beginning players as their wind and embouchure is
underdeveloped and they have a tendency to be flat or to develop a
"pinched" embouchure trying to get up to pitch. I had it completely
overhauled and my older daughter played it for about 5 years until she
decided that the oboe was her thing. Now I am teaching my younger
daughter to play on this same instrument. While I don't know about your
instrument, mine has a fairly thin wall so that it is much lighter than
a normal wooden clarinet and both my girls really liked that.

   
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org