 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jimjr1955
Date: 2013-01-18 14:06
I have a G. Penzel Professional Clarinet serial #U334B. It was given to me over 40 years ago. I am a trumpet player so I have no idea about this clarinet. Can anyone give me an idea of age, value or anything else about it? Thank you in advance for any help you can give me. Jim
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2013-01-18 15:18
jimjr1955 wrote:
> I have a G. Penzel Professional Clarinet serial #U334B. It was
> given to me over 40 years ago. I am a trumpet player so I have
> no idea about this clarinet. Can anyone give me an idea of
> age, value or anything else about it? Thank you in advance for
> any help you can give me. Jim
G. Penzel was one of the precursor companies to Penzel-Mueller (probably the best of the American clarinet makers). No serial number references exist to my knowledge so it will be impossible to determine the exact age of your clarinet. The G. Penzel company was founded in 1881 and ceased operations in 1920 when Gustav Penzel entered into a partnership with Edward Mueller to form the Penzel-Mueller company (known as "G.L Penzel & Mueller" in the early days). Your clarinet was made sometime between 1881 and 1920, most likely towards the end of that range if it is a boehm system clarinet.
I own a similar G. Penzel clarinet. It is well made and was probably a fairly high quality instrument in it's day. Unfortunately gue to the fact that this is a little known brand that value of the instrument is quite low. I think you would have a hard time selling it for more than $100 unless it is in absolutely immaculate condition.
Post Edited (2013-01-18 15:19)
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2013-08-01 19:18
actually 1884; Edward Mueller was first cousin of Penzels, and he joined company in 1884. The company was renamed in 1890, when Mueller became a partner.
In l920, Louis Penzel died leaving Edward Mueller sole owner of the company. In l925, Edward Mueller retired, selling the firm to his five children. His son, Walter Mueller,
became president of the company, eventually buying all holdings.
With respect to horn G.Penzel Professional, judging by the number it has been made in around after WWII. 1955 Catalog lists "Professional" at $165, and it is PM intermediate horn. More expensive Bel Canto, Empire, new Artist and Brilliante were in 200-300+ range.
if the horn has ebonite barrel/bell and brown grenadilla body, it is most likely Pruefer Professional model stencil, but it would be hard to say w/o looking at pics.
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2013-08-02 13:15
and also G Penzel may or may not have any direct connection with Penzel-Mueller. After Louis Penzel immigrated to US in 1880s the German side of Penzel family stayed in musical instrument business, and it could have come from german side.
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Author: gkern
Date: 2013-08-02 19:03
I have a G. Penzel Pacemaker, s/n 5229B.
This was part of the description of a G. Penzel Pacemaker with serial number 5279B that I found on (another) auction site some time ago:
The guarantee card reads: "PMBb Clarinet Pacemaker - 5279 -" Back of card reads: "Penzel Mueller & CO., Inc
36-11 Thirty Third Street Long Island City 6, N.Y."
So the G. Penzel Pacemaker was apparently made by Penzel-Mueller, and I am guessing in the 1940-1950 time period. It certainly was not made before 1900.
Gary K
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