 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: RTC3PO
Date: 2017-12-22 05:28
Hello,
I just inherited a matched pair of Herbert Wurlitzer clarinets, and I'm hoping that you all may be able to help me learn more about them. I am a musician, but I mostly play guitar and other stringed instruments and unfortunately I know next to nothing about clarinets, so please excuse my ignorance. I attempted to do a web search for information about these instruments, but I've had a hard time formulating the search because I don't know enough about clarinets to know what to search for.
The instruments were originally purchased in the late 60's or early 70's, as far as I know (unfortunately the man who purchased them recently passed away, so I can only speculate about some of these details). They are in good cosmetic condition, have not been played since the late 80's, and have been stored in their case. The instruments have relatively few markings on them - they both say "Herbert Wurlitzer Bubenreuth", and both bear the number "637". I'm guessing that's the serial number, but it seems odd to me that both of them would have the same serial number so maybe it's a model number?
The questions I'm hoping to get answers to are:
- Are these desirable instruments?
Based on the limited information I can find online, it appears that Wurlitzer clarinets are highly regarded, but there also appear to be a number of different makers with the name Wurlitzer and I'm not sure what to make of all of that.
- Assuming they are in good condition, what is the approximate value of these instruments?
I'm sure they will need to be taken to a technician for a tune up, but knowing the original owner I'm confident that they've been treated very well since he's had them.
- Can anyone recommend a good repairman / technician in either Los Angeles or Boston? I split my time between these two cities and would prefer to take them for a tune up in person.
Thanks very much in advance for any help you all can provide!
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Author: dorjepismo ★2017
Date: 2017-12-22 08:53
Herbert is the best known Wurlitzer, whose instruments became the professional standard in Germany. The number and location would mean they are early Herbert Ws. The value in good condition might be middle four figures. Are they German or Boehm system? (Do they have two or four keys for the right-hand pinkie?) Either way, they aren't what most American techs are used to, so you would want a top person. Probably find out who works on Michele Zukovsky's (retired from L.A. Phil) instruments. If they are German system, you would probably do better selling them in Germany, maybe through someplace like Die Holzbläser.
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Author: RTC3PO
Date: 2017-12-24 00:53
Thank you for the information, dorjepismo. They have four keys on the right hand pinky, so that means they are Boehm system I suppose. I took a few photos, I'll see if I can get them to show up here.
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Author: dorjepismo ★2017
Date: 2017-12-24 03:34
Yes, they are Boehm system, although there is a good chance they are "Reform Boehm," for which Herbert and his father Fritz were well known. I think there is a set of these by Herbert currently being advertised on the British used clarinet website ClarinetsDirect, and you might find it useful to compare them with your set.
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Author: kenb
Date: 2017-12-24 06:58
Hope you post photos - I have a set of Wurlitzer RB, but a much later vintage.
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Author: RTC3PO
Date: 2017-12-24 22:09
Attachment: IMG_0662.JPG (1895k)
Attachment: IMG_0659.JPG (1711k)
Attachment: IMG_0660.JPG (1438k)
I had trouble adding the photos from my phone yesterday, but here are a few. If there are specific parts of the instruments that you all would like to see more photos of, let me know.
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Author: dorjepismo ★2017
Date: 2017-12-25 00:41
So, a Reform Boehm without some of the extended features such as the separate throat Bb vent and the left-hand Eb. The set at Clarinets Direct has those, and is later, serial nos. 27081 and 82. They're asking £5,745. Whether yours are more or less depends on whether there's a collector who would really like one of the early ones, before he set up in Neustadt-Aisch. The main markets are probably the U.K, Holland, and the U.S. They'll probably take awhile to sell, but they're very good instruments and worth a price like that. The best techs in either L.A. or Boston should be able to get them into excellent shape for sale.
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Author: dorjepismo ★2017
Date: 2017-12-25 05:45
Missed that. Thanks Chris! Was hoping you'd comment as you know a whole lot more about them than I.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2017-12-25 06:57
You have a pair of Highly Desirable clarinets! Take care of them, treasure them, but mostly Play Them! I would love to play them!
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: donald
Date: 2017-12-25 17:05
I had a pair of these, sold them in.... ummm 2010? sometime around then... still regret selling them to be honest, the TONE of these instruments was just beautiful.
dn
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