Klarinet Archive - Posting 000576.txt from 2005/06

From: "Lacy, Edwin" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: [kl] value of an old clarinet
Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 12:29:35 -0400

Today I was asked a question that I could not answer concerning an old
clarinet. A lady wants to know how much her instrument would be
appraised for purposes of insuring it.

The clarinet in question is a Penzel-Mueller, and she has played it all
her life. She obtained this instrument from the father of a childhood
friend of hers, whose father played it in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
in the 1920's. The owner thinks it was made 1916, and having taken a
look at it, that date would seem about right to me. The serial number
is 10,113. It is marked "B" (for Bb) and "LP" (for low pitch or
approximately A=3D440). She has had it overhauled recently, and it is
very easy-blowing, although there are some pitch issues. I have done
some searching, and have found serial number/date lists for many
manufacturers, but not surprisingly, none for Penzel-Mueller.

It has an adjustable or tuning barrel, which was with the instrument
when she got it before World War II, but which is not original to the
instrument. The mouthpiece is a Bettony," also most likely not
original, but of the same vintage as the clarinet. The case is
original, and in fair condition. The wood is mostly in good shape, with
one small crack that has been properly repaired. The keywork is Boehm
system, but with rings on all six tone holes on the top of the
instrument, the added one being for the forked Eb/Bb.

I'm sure that I disappointed her when I told her my opinion that any
value in this clarinet would likely come from a collector rather than
from someone who would want to play such an instrument today. However,
it did seem to me that with a proper barrel and mouthpiece, it would be
considerably better than many if not most of the clarinets made today
that are considered student-line instruments.

What value would you place on such an item?

Ed Lacy
University of Evansville

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