Klarinet Archive - Posting 001275.txt from 1999/03

From: David Blumberg <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] re:Pedler Clarinets
Date: Thu, 25 Mar 1999 09:55:40 -0500

From: Bravesnt@-----.com
Subject: American Pedler...anyone know?
Message-ID: <1fe285dd.36f9ae2f@-----.com>
I have acquired a clarinet made by American Pedler in Elkhart, IN. It is in a
burgundy alligator-type case with a brass medallion on the side and one lock
on the middle latch, operated by a skeleton key which i have.
----------------------------------------

I had asked about Pedler Clarinets to a friend of mine (major
arranger/mouthpiece maker) a couple of years ago. This was his reply (name
witheld) :

Yes, my friend, I know about Pedler Clarinets. Sadly, yes, I know about
them. In 1949, when the Columbus Philharmonic Orchestra collapsed,
unreasonably so, I decided to try my luck at teaching at the local
leading Department Store -- F & R LAZARUS Co. Large (seemingly at that
time) music department. Private studios with teachers for all the
instruments. The manager had "tied in" with the Martin Co. in Elkhart, IN
at that time, and all we saw were Martin Saxophones, and Pedler clarinets
-- a subsidiary of Martin I believe. I don't think they had a separate
plant.
Well, when ever I had a beginning student, they always had bought a
Pedler clarinet at the store and wanted lessons. Pedler was one of those
who made instruments out of some kind of black material, a vulcanized
rubber basically molded as upper joints and lower joints etc. and tone
holes drilled "close enough in tune" to be "adequate" for school use.
The keys were rather soft, and general use caused them to bend out of
adjustment. Well, almost. And, I guess, they did make a few wooden
clarinets. Soon, in the 60's, as competition grew, and the Selmer Bundy
Clarinet, and the Leblanc line (I think they called it the "Normandy" then)
began to find favor. Martin Saxophones then became a "third or fourth
choice". The company became distressed and was purchased by one of the
bigger ones. So, the name Pedler became history. So, yes, you are
talking 35 to 40 years ago. Yes, Waaaaaay, waaaaaaaaaaaay, back when
Gigliotti first joined the Philadelphia Orchestra.
If you could buy the instrument for $35. to $40. -- it would be a waste of
$35. to $40. It might look like a clarinet, etc. ------
So, sir, if you want to give sage advice, give it on the basis of hearing
about it from this old geeeser who knew about them back in the beginning of
time, and wouldn't take a spit across the room for one, ---- if he had
the chance.

David Blumberg - MTA for Woodwind Players (200+ pieces, Playable Demos -
G2, MP3's)
play it@-----.com
http://www.mytempo.com
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