Klarinet Archive - Posting 000236.txt from 2007/01
From: hns692@-----.com
Subj: [kl] A Pruefer Clarinet Querry
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 23:54:24 -0500
I am currently working on cleaning and re-padding/corking a Pruefer,
Woodwind, Super Artist Bb clarinet for a friend. The wood is black and very solid.
There seem to be no leaks. The keys are not silver or silver plated, but of
a silver color -- somewhat worn. The serial number is 2535 and is stamped
on both upper and lower joints -- no other numbers or letters appear. The
company logo stamped into all of the pieces is much like a Buffet logo and at
one time must have been gilt because the stamp on the lower joint is still
partially gilded. The horn comes with two barrels -- about 1-2 mm apart in
length. The mouthpiece has a handwritten "Ebonaire" signature on it and the lay
of the reed is about as closed as a Blayman H107, although the mouthpiece is a
bit narrower and longer (I have nothing with which to check the bore). I
guess my question is -- does anyone know about how old this horn might be? Or
anything else about it, for that matter.
The serial number does not appear consistent with those listed on a list
compiled by Mr. Charette -- that list has a beginning serial number in the 6500s
and goes on to five digits, etc. The 6500s are the oldest manufactured (ca.
1923 - ?). The case is enormous and contains a very large area for reeds,
etc., plus a sheet music area in the case cover/top. Bonade reeds were used
on the horn -- but very soft reeds (which doesn't seem right considering the
mouthpiece is so closed). The ligature contains no information -- just a
generic ligature which may or may not have come with the horn.
Since Hans Moennig worked at Pruefer for a while, I am wondering a horn of
this type might also have some of Moennig's touches incorporated into it. I
doubt it's rare because the case is too new (but bigger than I've seen for a
single horn). The areas for two barrels is unusual.
I'd appreciate any information anyone on the list can return. I suspect the
horn is a really good student line, but may be wrong about that. Thanks in
advance.
Lee Ann Hansen
Principal Eb Clarinet
First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band
_hns692@-----.com)
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