Klarinet Archive - Posting 000589.txt from 2005/06

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] value of an old clarinet
Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 21:05:56 -0400

At 11:27 AM 6/28/2005 -0500, you wrote:
>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=440). 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.

Penzel-Mueller was a relatively high-quality maker. I have a couple of
those tuning barrels, acquired with old eBay clarinets. I have not found
them to be very satisfactory in tone or intonation. You might try a
different barrel.

Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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