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Albert System Buffet/Penzel & Muller

Author: klarenet
Date: 2007-06-10 19:28

I recently picked up a pair of old wooden clarinets at an antique mall. I don't know much about vintage instruments and would greatly appreciate any information anybody could tell me about them (age, value, etc) and if they're worth restoring.

The first is an Albert system B-flat Buffet marked "made in France, HPA." The serial number is X18 and then a chip in the wood that I believe obscures the last digit. The barrel on this one is terribly cracked, but the rest of the body is in pretty good shape aside from all of the corks being dead. It has roller keys on the right and left hand pinky "clusters" (only two keys on each cluster).

The second is an Albert system A Penzel & Muller New York. It is marked "LP" and there is a "B" marked on the barrel. The bell is a reddish color, possibly rosewood? I cannot find a serial number on this clarinet, and on the back are a scripted A and L. This too has tenon and pad problems, but I don't see any cracks. There are roller keys on the pinky clusters and there is a third pinky key for the left hand as well as a roller key on the C#/G#.

The open Gs on both of these instruments sound very round and full, and I'm dying to hear what they'd sound like in playing condition, but I'm not sure if I should invest the money to have them fixed.

I also picked up a very cheap complete metal G.L. Otterol clarinet that I was thinking about converting into a lamp. I just want to check and make sure I wouldn't be converting into furniture a nice instrument.

Thank you for your help!

Karen

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