 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: charlene
Date: 2003-01-10 22:26
Hi, I apologize in advance for this long post, but I wanted to share my excitement with all you fellow sneezy bbers. I just received an Uebel 632 Bb oehler system that I bought on ebay (yes, one of the "dreaded" east german years). This is the first time I've seen an oehler in hand and (from my novice perspective) I'm amazed by the keywork on this. It's just beautifully clever, especially the mechanism that allows the a/a# to be independent of one another (no raspy a on this one). If you haven't ever examined one do so if you get the chance - it's fascinating. This is Uebel's top intermediate model (or so I believe it to be based on their website and my limited rememberance of german) and it is really pretty extraordinary in tone and playing ease. The wood is better quality than I expected, the keywork is made of what seems to be aluminum or some lightweight alloy with silver plating if that's possible. I'm not sure whether the keys are fragile or brittle (they're currently in great shape) but the light weight keeps the instrument and its multitude of keys from being too heavy. Although it doesn't play well with the Vandoren Deutschland V3 I bought (why an I not surprised), the mp it came with seems perfect (a B&S, anyone know anything about these?). As others have commented, the finger stretch on the lower joint is WIDE, but certainly not so far as my alto. I'd like to hear from anyone else who is familiar with or wondering about the 632, or Uebel instruments, or oehlers, and while this instrument is in good shape and probably won't need an overhaul for a while, I'd REALLY like to hear from any of you techs who know how to work on oehlers as I imagine I should start inquiring now. Best Regards to you all, Charlene
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Author: Peter
Date: 2003-01-11 02:09
Charlene,
I have an 'A' F. Arthur Uebel, Markneukirchen, full Bohem instrument, that plays very well. I recently had it overhauled and the keys gold plated.
I bought it a long time ago from an Iron Curtain defector I once met.
It's the only Bohem F. Arthur Uebel I've ever seen or heard of, although if there is one, there are bound to be more. In fact, I've been trying to contact the manufacturer, as the barrel had a small split that was repaired, but I still want another, intact, barrel.
It's not an easy item to find used, and it also has an extended lower tennon fitting at the bottom of the barrel that makes it tough and expensive to have built, but, eventually, that's probably what I'll wind up having to do.
So far I haven't been able to get them to answer my mail. Perhaps it might be because I don't speak German, although I would be surprised if someone there didn't have some sort of a handle on English. Languages-wise, Europeans are often well versed in more than a couple.
I'm going to try again through an interpreter one of these days, as I would like to have another original barrel, if possible.
The one you have just might be a good player, I've seen a couple of others in the Ohler system that weren't bad at all. You'll have to find out by playing it, but I wouldn't expect much communbication from the manufacturer.
Enjoy it, as I have mine!
Peter
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-01-11 02:11
Hi, Charlene
Thank you for sharing your excitement.
As a lifelong player of Alberts (and Oehler) I find your post very interesting, as well as exciting. I own several Alberts, a Simple system and a Prueffer Oehler - which just happens to be my favorite of the bunch. I maintain all my own instruments and keep a few of my friend's horns up and running (all Boehms for some strange reason:). I know several Albert system players and it's always interesting to know why they play them. The reasons are as varied as the players. So, naturally I'm curious... why'd you buy an Oehler?
As far as I can tell, Oehlers are no more difficult to work on than Boehms. You either get it right or you don't :]
- ron b -
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Author: Peter
Date: 2003-01-11 02:15
Oh, I forgot, I play mine with a Vandoren 5RV MP, which is O.K with it, and the keys on it are definitely some good metal, as they are heavy, actually, so is the clarinet!
Part of your instrument being light-weight might be because it could be built out of a wood other than grenadilla.
I'd actually be interested in seeing a picture of it, and if you are interested, I'll reciprocate in kind.
You can e-mail me.
Peter
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Author: werner
Date: 2003-01-11 08:45
Peter
Today Uebel only makes Oehler or German system clarinets.
Uebel Boehm clarinets aren't made anymore.
And it's difficult to get in contact with Company Uebel.
They are not really interested in customer contacts.
Thats what they have dealers for in Germany.
Possibly one of those dealers,
for example http://www.holzblaeser.com/
can help you to find a used barrel.
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Author: Peter
Date: 2003-01-11 15:20
Werner,
Thank you very much, I'll try to contact them and see what happens. I like the clarinet, and especially since it's no longer made, I want to try and keep it original, if possible.
Well, I guess they are entitled to not accept customer contact, but it will be the first company I've dealt with that didn't, at least, point an inquiring client towards one of their distributors, even if it's just as a matter of courtesy.
Still, I haven't played any of the newer ones, but they currently have some fine looking instruments.
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-01-11 22:43
I have been using an Uebel for years as a back up to my Yamaha 457-20. It is a 631 and has a fantastic sound. I have recorded on it and it worked well. It has a little more projection than the Yamaha and is a little better in tune in the third register especially high G#. I don't know why there is such bad press about these instruments but I can only assume that a lot of this bad press comes from people who have never even tried one. Instruments manufactured in Markneukirchen are generally very good but, as with anything else, come in different quality levels. The top of the line Uebel instruments are very much professional quality. They are however heavy and thick walled. They make and sell a hell of a lot of clarinets so they must be doing something right. Many of the German army bands use Uebel instruments owing to their durability and reliability. They also have interesting double locked screws and soem don't use leaf springs but music wire.
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