 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: wjulaxer13
Date: 2011-04-06 14:33
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i have just completed a full repad and adjustment on a pruefer clarinet (serial 9893) and would some information about the instrument. I understand that the Pruefer company made instruments until the 70's but cant find serial number lists for them at all. It is a gorgeous instrument with no plating missing, chipping or major scratches. Plays nice too. Any information about the company, lists, or relative worth would be appreciated. thanks
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Author: jasperbay
Date: 2011-04-07 04:13
Looks like you found one in nice condition, and made her even nicer, and playable! My Pruefer's are mostly their 'Sherwood' stencil sold by Montgomery Ward. Nice clarinets, comparable to Selmer/Bundy Signets in quality and playability. Most of the Pruefers I've seen have unplated german silver keys and rings that polish up nicely. Towards the end of their production, they started nickle-plating their keywork, which is OK when new, but looks ratty when worn extensively. I've always assumed Pruefer's were made from the mid-40's to the 70's. Haven't seen a serial # list anywhere.
Values aren't all that high, considering their quality. $100-200 in nice shape.
Clark G. Sherwood
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2011-04-07 05:00
Looks like a nice find, and a fine restoration. You done good.
I wonder if some day there will be an increased interest in vintage American clarinets. In the brass world, such long-extinct American marques as Distin, Keefer, and York have a loyal following of collectors and players these days--even though the instruments themselves don't quite play up to the standard of modern horns. A Pruefer, Harry Pedler, or Penzel-Mueller may not have much monetary value, but it's still a playable piece of history, and I hope more than a few of these are being well taken care of for future generations to appreciate.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-04-07 12:18
If the instrument plays good, it is good.
The photos show reddish deposits in the tone holes, which almost certainly come from thread fragments rubbed off from swabs. Removal of the deposits will likely improve intonation and response. Also, the wood looks dry and could respond well to oiling.
Good luck with it.
Ken Shaw
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Author: awm34
Date: 2011-04-07 13:37
I bought a Preufer A clarinet (serial no. 2495) from the unnamed auction site about 7 years ago for $280. Overhauled by Ko Kaiden (Ypsilanti) it plays quite well. I use it only a few times a year when my Chicago buddy and I get together to play the Poulenc sonata -- and, of course, some prep time.
Alan Messer
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Author: wjulaxer13
Date: 2011-04-07 15:03
i have also restored a Pedler Hoosier metal clarinet that I like a lot. It shined up real nice. Feels funny to hold a metal clarinet with the raised tone holes though.
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