 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Kontra
Date: 2010-12-29 23:28
Well, I bought a hard rubber Pedler bass clarinet and received it in the mail today. I still have to get it overhauled, and there's a key that has broken off, that was included in the auction. I open it up today and the key isn't there. Upon further inspection I noticed some holes going into the bottom under the fabric of the case, so I looked down in there and found some items:
Some very old Rico reeds, strength 1.5
a hairpin
the keys to the two latches on the case
a torn piece of paper with some names.
Those are the boring ones. I also found a Rico reed with the case and on it, it says
Ward-Brodt Music Co
CHARLES M. FAULHABER, Pres.
Your instrument checked---Free
315 No. Henry St. Madison Wis.
and on the back
Thank you -- -- Call again. # 2716
But the thing I found the most interesting was a very old letter in purple ink, with some encouraging words:
THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
Seek Knowledge: acknowledge your ignorance and grasp
every opportunity to learn. Look for criticism, and never
be ashamed to ask questions.
Form Good Associations: choose your company wisely.
Avoid those who would undermine your resolution. Seek
those who will stimulate you to better efforts.
Keep Your Aim High: know that enjoyment in music goes
in direct proportion to ability. Like a sunflower reaching
to the sun, aim high--up and up.
Welcome Difficulty: recognize difficulties for what
they are--stepping stones along the way to test your will.
Once surmounted, they will spur you on.
Have Patience: stick by your guns. Know that then
you will attain your goal, however long the road, whatever
the difficulties.
Have Courage: fortify yourself with firm resolution.
Stubborn resolve will bear you up when strength is needed.
Have Faith: know that success lies within you.
Know that firmness of purpose and perseverance are pre-
requisites of success. Cast doubt from your mind and believe
in yourself.
And now to work! Opportunity lies before you; make
the most of it.
I have the greatest respect for you at this moment.
I know that you can succeed.
Show the world that you can.
Pretty cool note! Not addressed or signed by anyone. Just at the bottom of the original case the Pedler bass clarinet was issued with. I'm still looking for that missing key, I really don't want to have to tear up the case to find it, but I think that's where it is. The bass needs a full overhaul, but from the few notes I can play it sounds pretty good to me!
Post Edited (2010-12-29 23:29)
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2010-12-30 00:19
The message you found in the case sounded very much like the kind of garden variety sentiment written decades ago as a popular exhortation for any worthwhile endeavor and reprinted ad infinitum.
I plugged in one paragraph of the note.."Form good associations..., etc." into Google and came up with chapter synopses that match much what you found in the case. The synopses are apparently from "Prelude to Brass Playing" by Rafael Mendez, copyright 1961 by Carl Fischer.
But somehow they sound even older, and perhaps were merely adapted for the booklet.
Post Edited (2010-12-30 00:20)
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Author: PrincessJ
Date: 2010-12-30 00:28
Although rather generic, I find it charming and expressive. I love those little old words of wisdom, but I've always been a sucker for fortune cookies. What can I say...
Either way I'm glad to hear your bass clarinet sounds well so far. Good luck finding the key, check in the deepest nooks and crannies and anywhere the key could possibly fit. I've found missing reeds in some very odd places in my case without having to tear it up too bad.
-Jenn
Circa 1940s Zebra Pan Am
1972 Noblet Paris 27
Leblanc Bliss 210
1928 Selmer Full Boehm in A
Amateur tech, amateur clarinetist, looking to learn!
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Author: Kontra
Date: 2010-12-30 02:43
I forgot to mention it was typed up on a typewriter from what I can tell, if that means anything...
I think this horn has had some kind of journey/history. Of course it was made in Indiana, and if that reed case means anything then it was in Wisconsin for awhile. Bought it from someone in Oregon and now it's here in Nashville. Who knows? Although at some point it wasn't taken care of that well because of the repairs done/needed. But I can't complain, I really like this horn. The bell is also bigger than other bass's Ive played.
Post Edited (2010-12-30 02:45)
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Author: William
Date: 2010-12-30 15:53
Kontra, fwiw, there is a small town just south of Madison--where Ward Brodt Music is located--named Oregon. Perhaps your bass passed through that town instead of the State. Just a thought........
BTW, although Charles Faulhaber is unfortuately deceased, his son still owns and operates the Ward Brodt Music Mall where I do most of my personal business--equipement & repair. Charles was a gifted businessman and conductor/founder of the Madison Municipal Band which I have played with for over 55 yrs. And, true to his offer on the reed case, Ward Brodt will still check your instrument--for free.
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Author: Kontra
Date: 2010-12-31 06:24
I purchased the horn from Portland, Oregon. I found the missing key today.
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