 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bill
Date: 2006-11-02 22:34
Idle equipment curiosity about Penzel-Mueller clarinets.
Everything I've read seems to indicate that the "Brilliante" (and later "Super Brilliante") were the top model B-flat clarinets offered by the P-M firm. Yet, it would seem that the old "Artist" model P-M's, with their eagle emblem, have got to be older and would, I think, seem to have been their finest model (hence the name).
Anyone know how these models were offered over time? Why the big branding change (from eagles and "Artist" to the solitary type treatment)?
Bill.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2006-11-03 19:07
I have a P-M "Empire State" model which is quite good -- not sure where this model fits into the grand scheme (if there ever was one!).
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-11-03 19:59
Yeah, Bill, Dave says it well. PM made many models [perhaps just the names were different] in the eaarly 1900's to about 1960, a good friend has a beloved Artist, I have a rilliant barrel for my old 1920's F B [20/7, no name other than PM, L I, NY] and I've seen others. They were all quite good cls, competing with Bettoney [Boston], Pruefer {Providence], Pedler [?] and French imports. Run a Search, we have talked about PM's before. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2006-11-04 13:59
I was under the (unconfirmed) notion that the Brilliante and Artist models only differece in the amount of silver used in the keywork.
These are monster horns, when the keywork is well adjusted.
Not for the faint of heart, these.
PS - What mouthpiece have you found well matched to the horn?
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Author: Bill
Date: 2006-11-04 14:45
I had to use a crystal mpc. with my Brilliante to give it a (for me) nicer tone.
I know P-M has had a million models. They beat Selmer at their own marketing game in the 40s. I've been trying to learn as much about the P-M company as I can in the last few years.
I own a mouthpiece marked "G. Penzel and Muller," and the misspelling of Mueller is pretty curious. Had the two firms only just merged, and Walter Mueller hadn't yet sent the memo with the right spelling? LOL.
When I sold my Brilliante clarinet, the underbidder was Lisa Mueller, Walter Mueller's granddaughter. We exchanged emails, and she said she was trying to learn about the company herself. She sent me some printed information about the company's history that I have since seen from other sources (i.e., it was pretty common stuff). About 18 months later, I was contacted by another member of the Mueller family. I have long since lost touch with both individuals. It was an exciting exchange for me.
Anyway, just trying to fill in the missing pieces. I feel the same way about the Chedeville factory. I wish I knew the real story.
Bill.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
Post Edited (2006-11-04 14:53)
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2006-11-04 23:34
About 3 years ago I've sold my Brilliante to Gustave E. Mueller. Later he told me that this instrument was purchased for P-M instrument museum. Also, he mentioned that "Supper Brilliante" was their top model and he was looking for one.
Vytas Krass
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
ClarinetHeaven@aol.com
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Author: Bill
Date: 2006-11-05 11:41
Attachment: Brilliante in case.jpg (188k)
Attachment: Case.jpg (107k)
That's interesting Vytas! I'm glad to hear this, becuase I thought it was more than a little strange that I was in touch with this family. I didn't mention it, but I also recall Lisa Mueller saying that there was a large collection of clarinets (?) and stuff from the business, but I couldn't figure out why, in that case, she wanted my Brilliante clarinet (which ended up going to a very nice bidder in South America).
I've attached a couple of photos.The silver plating on it (an "M" serial number) held up well, unlike most you see now. The case was leather.
Bill.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-11-05 13:23
To add [possibly answer] a few questins that have been posed in this thread, such as name. Muller [a good German name] prob. had an oumlet [sp?] over the u so in our Am-Eng it became Mue. As to mps, my old teacher from whom I bot my F B gave me his O'Brien glass [ crystal is a misnomer, IMHO], believe it was a 2 S [for short] close, French? facing which made me [early embouchure] play somewhat flat above the staff, so I bot several [then inexpensive] glasses from O'B and experimented with other mps [HR's, wider tip/longer lay] playing college band and some dance band [small-combo] music, making use of the low Eb on Stardust [in the chalameau] etc.. I and a better cl'ist played this F B in our early, local, symp orch [1950's], and it now [for museum info] is in our local history museum. The thot of a P-M museum interests me, "Who Knows Where or When" [as that old song goes], please? TKS. Also, Vytas, any info re: the Super-Brilliante ? Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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