 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: James S
Date: 2016-04-20 19:38
Man I can't wait for my set to come... :D
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Klose ★2017
Date: 2016-04-20 20:24
I wonder if you know that Uebel clarinets are actually made in China.
Lee
|
|
|
|
|
Author: seabreeze
Date: 2016-04-20 20:29
Tom Ridenour's are made in China. They are made according to his specifications; he finishes them, and they play well. Isn't the bottom line how good the design is, how well is it finished, and is it built to last, rather than the country where it is produced? If they play well and can be maintained over a long period of time, is there any good reason not to buy them?
Post Edited (2016-07-07 04:17)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Klose ★2017
Date: 2016-04-20 20:39
I totally agree! I just would like to say now products made in China can also be good enough.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: James S
Date: 2016-04-20 21:53
Some of the components are made overseas, which is very quickly becoming the industry standard
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Klose ★2017
Date: 2016-04-20 22:18
The whole instruments are made in China and only the final adjustment is done in Germany. But anyway, the instruments are nice!
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2016-04-20 22:46
Don't they now make R13's in china? LOL
|
|
|
|
|
Author: j8649
Date: 2016-04-21 04:42
How can the Ubel web site say they are made in Germany if they are really made in China?
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Klose ★2017
Date: 2016-04-21 05:27
Please note on their German website they never claim that they are made in Germany. Also, on the body of every instruments, you can only find the word "Germany" instead of "made in Germany', which only means the company is registered in Germany. Maybe different countries have different laws to define "Made in xxx" but it is very certain the instruments are totally made in China and then adjusted in Germany.
j8649 wrote:
> How can the Ubel web site say they are made in Germany if they
> are really made in China?
Post Edited (2016-04-21 09:00)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Klose ★2017
Date: 2016-04-21 08:10
I am sure they are made in China because I visited their factory in China and people from Uebel also confirmed that. Like Apple products, "made in China" does not mean they are not good. On both German and USA websites, I believe you are not able to find the address of the factory in Germany. You can try, at least I didn't find it. By the way, some old friends from Germany also informed me that some years ago, the brand "Uebel" was bought by someone and then none of them are made in Germany any more. The phrase "Made in Germany" is ambiguous on the website. Have you ever seen the same mark on any new Uebel clarinets like you see on Buffet and YAMAHA high-end models?
Silversorcerer wrote:
> Go to this link: http://www.uebelusa.com/ and go home and look
> at the lower right corner. "Made in Germany" I think so.
>
Post Edited (2016-04-21 09:03)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Klose ★2017
Date: 2016-04-21 13:43
I guess maybe you are someone who sells Uebel clarinets? Or? It seems you really do not want to believe me.
First, people in Markneukirchen told me the story that the brand "Uebel" was bought by someone years ago and no factory of Uebel is in there anymore. Please note that including "Markneukirchen" below the logo is another misleading thing. Yes, so many years ago, the factory was in Markneukirchen but now no.
Second, I give you a very accurate address here: Yougen Road, Housui Village, Langao County, Longkou City, Shandong Province. I would suggest you to have a look at the new clarinets on the market and you will notice there is no "Made in Germany" on the body but only the word "Germany". If they are really made in Germany, why don't they make it clear? My guess is that "Made in Germany" on the website does not make a legal sense while "Made in Germany" on the instruments does.
Third, people from Uebel factory in Longkou told me all the Uebel clarinets are totally made (not parts) in China and then adjusted and packaged in Germany.
Anyway, I am trying to tell you the truth but if you do not want to believe, fine.
Post Edited (2016-04-21 13:44)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Klose ★2017
Date: 2016-04-21 14:13
Another interesting fact here is that if you visit the Uebel-klarinetten.de (you can choose English on the right-top), you will surprisingly notice that they do not even produce any German clarinets in A, which means no professionals, at least orchestral players, in Germany would play their instruments because they all need a pair.
To be honest, I feel it's a pity that a brand with such a brilliant history goes like this. Nevertheless, as long as the quality is great, I really do not care about the origin although I know the truth. If believing they are made in Germany makes you feel good, you are free to do that.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2016-04-21 15:37
Hey Guys (Silver and Klose),
This is turning into a 2-person scrap and you seem to be repeating yourselves. How about taking it outside (off-line).
HRL
PS And Silver, you've hijacked the thread from the original topic. Please refer to the title.
Post Edited (2016-04-21 15:45)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: MichaelW
Date: 2016-04-21 16:51
In January 2014 Dr. Enrico Weller, Markneukirchen wrote ( http://www.museum-markneukirchen.de/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=1925&p=9774&hilit=uebel#p9774 ; free translation): „… it is well known that Uebel clarinets are produced in China since the brand was acquired by Stölzel. But end control of the instruments and finishing of the Oehler models since 2013 is performed in Markneukirchen“. The Stölzel firm, situated in Wiesbaden (http://www.stoelzel-music.de/ ), in the past mainly offered a multitude of accessories for wind instruments. On their German clarinet page ( http://uebel-klarinetten.de/deutsch/modelle.html ) with the whole model range the „Superior“ model is also offered in A, which apparently isn't the case with their German and Oehler models.
Post Edited (2016-04-21 16:57)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-04-21 16:53
I find this a bit interesting though.
I have played the new Uebel line of Boehms an found them to be of exceptional quality. From the "Advantage" on up the intonation is remarkable! The quirky (that is .....different from what we all know and love.....) intonation thing about all of them is that the first space "F" is dead on with the rest of the notes around it (not flat).
Now for the Oehler system. I played that one too and it IS a piece of crap. MUCH MUCH poorer quality then the Boehm horns. It's almost as if a dying company that made poor quality German horns wanted to reinvent itself in the Boehm market and not look back (just my thought).
I will talk to the US distributor about this discussion, which again, I find interesting.
...................Paul Aviles
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2016-04-21 17:17
MichaelW wrote:
> In January 2014 Dr. Enrico Weller, Markneukirchen wrote (
> http://www.museum-markneukirchen.de/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=1925&p=9774&hilit=uebel#p9774
> ; free translation): „… it is well known that Uebel
> clarinets are produced in China since the brand was acquired by
> Stölzel. But end control of the instruments and finishing of
> the Oehler models since 2013 is performed in Markneukirchen“.
Thank you.
So many people believe that "Made in ..." means something. It does mean _something_, but may not mean exactly what they think it does.
http://www.newyorker.com/business/currency/what-does-the-made-in-label-mean-anymore
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-04-21 19:46
Ok, so if Uebel are having these clarinets made at a Chinese factory, then they definitely have good quality control and top level workers there as they are far superior (pardon the pun) to your average CSO. Yamaha too have Chinese factories and their level of attention to detail in place, but there have been complaints the stainless steel alloy used for their rod screws does rust. But I hope that will be resolved as they have their reputation at stake if they continue to use sub standard materials.
Only a few months back I tried an Emperior bass clarinet and I couldn't find any fault with it - only wish I had my Buffet to compare it against as it is a direct copy of a Buffet Prestige bass. Now it all falls into place with the engraving on the bell on these basses as I've only seen that on Chinese bass clarinets.
So we will slag off Chinese musical instruments based on our poor experience with the cheapest ones flooding the market, but it is good to see they can produce top level instruments as well as the Chinese do have several thousand years of heritage of making desireable goods.
The only cloud that hangs heavily over Chinese products is they are produced in a country that's well known for some of the worst rights against their own people and also against nature - not the worst, but they're up there among the worst. But in this modern world it's near impossible to boycott Chinese goods if we were dead against buying or using any as nearly all technology and many other consumer products have some or most part been made or assembled in China.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: ned
Date: 2016-04-22 05:15
seabreeze wrote: ''Josh playing up to the highest C...''
It's very impressive how he gets to that top note. Would you know the fingering position?
Would most classically trained players be expected to get this top C as effortlessly? (b.t.w...that's top Bb for most jazz players)
thanks,
JK
|
|
|
|
|
Author: seabreeze
Date: 2016-04-22 05:43
In the video, I can see only his top (left) hand, but I suppose he is using the most standard fingering found on every fingering chart beginning with the one in H. Klose's method on down. That's thumb opening the register key of course, and the first finger of the left hand and the first finger of the right hand. That's all. Of course, he might be holding another key down with this right hand to lower the pitch, but I doubt that he needed to. The Uebel Superior clarinet has very good tuning and very even voicing, and I think he's using his talent, training, and good ear to take advantage of that to play a non-shrieky, pleasant-sounding top C in tune!
For two comprehensive clarinet fingering guides, I recommend Tom Ridenour's Clarinet Fingering in the Altissimo, and Alan Sim's Clarinet Fingerings. Both available from Van Cott. They present just about any clarinet fingering you will ever need.
Post Edited (2016-04-22 06:03)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2016-04-22 07:07
He plays a nice high C, but I didn't care much for the way he played it. That arpeggio is a showoff flourish, not at all delicate or retiring. Listen to de Peyer who gets it right and then some https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006X9FI3G.
Ken Shaw
|
|
|
|
|
Author: ned
Date: 2016-04-22 07:07
Thanks Mr Seabreeze. I'll nut out a fingering position for my simple system/Albert instruments, based on your observations.
chrs, JK
|
|
|
|
|
Author: seabreeze
Date: 2016-04-22 08:11
Ken,
Yes, DePeyer plays it as light and delicate as a cork floating on a gentle stream, but I don't think Josh was really trying to "perform" the Spohr Concerto in that little snippet; he was trying show just how robust and in tune that note can be on the Uebel Superior. That's all. This is part of a series he is doing to eventually demo all 4 models of the Uebel so people can hear the differences between them. I'd like to have heard how DePeyer would have sounded on the Uebel clarinet instead of the Boosey and Hawkes (or was it a Peter Eaton?) he was playing.
Years ago I trialed a big bore Boosey and Hawkes a few times and I distinctly recall that it tended to get pretty strident in fortissimo. Obviously the Uebel can be pushed pretty hard in the altissimo without becoming strident. Josh may have wanted to show that too. Of course, the other side of the coin (considering DePeyer's performance) would be, how does the Uebel sound when it's played sotto voce up there?
Post Edited (2016-04-22 08:44)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2016-04-22 16:03
seabreeze -
The Spohr was an early de Peyer recording. He was probably playing a B&H 1010 or perhaps a Martel or Louis.
I continue to believe that that arpeggio isn't even a little bit about subtlety. Spohr wrote for Hermstedt, not Baermann, and Hermstedt was known to be a showoff with coarse musical tastes. It's about unzipping your fly and shouting "I'm bigger than Trump."
Ken Shaw
|
|
|
|
|
Author: efsf081
Date: 2016-04-24 13:25
I won't suggest anyone buy a Uebel clarinet.
I am 100% sure it is made in China. I don't think China factory can make any good clarinet just by themselves, without a strong quality control from third-party. Maybe we can think about, the yamaha student clarinet are made in china for a long time, why still no a china clarinet brand have the same quality and well-deserved reputation?
And even Yamaha don't make their professional model in China. Yamaha is a japan company, compare to Uebel, they can send technician to China much more easily. Why don't they do that?
Someone mention "iphone" before. Technician for iphone can be train shortly. Is it same to a clarinet technician? At a country don't have tradition of high quality instrument production, where you can find enough instrument technician?
I think the answer is clear enough.
Ridenour clarinet is made in China, but it is hand-finished by a master.
I am not sure how many things Uebel do to their clarinet in Germany, and they never try to make it clear, whether on their website or anywhere.
If I want to buy a Austrian/German sound Boehm clarinet, I will find some small workshop (Dietz, L&K, Monning, Hammerschmidt, S&S.......). The price of Dietz and Monning, are not higher than a Uebel superior too much. Hammerschmidt price is ever lower than uebel.
At least, your clarinet are not made in a country, even the company themselves don't want to mention it.
Post Edited (2016-04-25 06:40)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-04-24 16:07
I don't believe "efsf0981" has bothered to even look at the current line of Uebels, let alone play them.
The quality of the materials, machining and craftsmanship are without question of very high quality. Another odd but clearly advantageous aspect to the entire line of their clarinets is that they all feature silver plated keys (more durable and more aesthetically pleasing) and leather pads (far more durable and reliable than anything you'll find on the current R13). And that's on ALL OF THEM.
Furthermore if you bother to play them, you'll find the Advantage, Preference and Superior to feature incredibly even tuning and response. And if you are a player that "pushes" against the sound (I don't have a better way to describe it) the Backuns and latest Selmers seem to give out in the chalumeau when playing under a mezzo forte but much like the R13 or top Yamahas you only get gobs of resonant sound with the Uebels.
Personally I don't give a damn where they come from. If you have an instrument that works as well as that, you should be happy that it exists.......period.
I would put them up against any other current Boehm on the market. They are that good.
...................Paul Aviles
|
|
|
|
|
Author: efsf081
Date: 2016-04-24 17:01
Paul, I think we are talking about a company, not just some instruments we try personally.
What I concern is the lack of transparency of Uebel clarinet production. Why don't they make every thing clean and easy understand?
Are they trying to mislead their customer that their clarinets are made in Germany? Maybe they are not, but it is actually what people will think directly when they buy a Germany brand clarinet with a marking "Germany" on it. It may be legal, but absolutely not a good way to do business.
It is true that most China Company, factory and technician have low self requirements on quality control. And the quality control of music instrument is much more difficult and hard than digital product like iphone.
A Germany company, which is far far away from China, can strictly control the quality of their product, just like what Buffet/Selmer do in France?
I really doubt it. I never seen any company makes their professional instrument not in their own country.
Personal feeling of an instrument sometime is not very reliable, ever from a professional player. A good example is the post of Buffet france E11(first version), which just fixed by glue and fall easily. I don't think any professional player can find it out by just playing the instrument.
My friend impressed of their demo instrument on NAMM. Why I still don't trust this company?
It is all about transparency and credit. I won't say other clarinet company are perfect of this. But it seem Uebel are trying to hide something their customer should know.
Post Edited (2016-04-25 06:18)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-04-24 23:30
Before German Reunification, some former East German makers such as Moennig had a lot of influence on Chinese instruments and may have had direct links what with them being Communist countries - you can see that on the older Lark, Parrot and Hsinghai instruments which strongly resemble those produced in East Germany.
Only the quality of the materials used and the workmanship was considerably inferior on the Chinese instruments which suffered with soft, bendy keywork and a much poorer level of finishing so they weren't anywhere near as reliable as their East German counterparts.
Uebel were part of the B&S group which most of the Markneukirchen makers were under the umbrella of and there are very strong similarities between the Markneukirchen makers.
F.A. Uebel was the maker of pro level clarinets whereas G.R. Uebel was experimental and offered all manner of unusual instruments, mainly aluminium bodied flutes and clarinets as well as oboes with sax or part Boehm fingering and Boehm system clarinets with very utilitarian looking keywork stamped out from thick sheet metal in single pieces or parts stamped from sheet metal instead of the more traditional cast, machined and drop forged parts that are all hard soldered together.
Back in December 2015 I spoke with the UK Buffet rep and asked him if they had ties with Uebel, what with the keywork and fittings on their most recent Boehm system clarinets strongly resembling that seen on (French) Buffets. He said Buffet and Uebel aren't affiliated.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2016-04-25 03:20
I've tried a couple of G.R. Uebel clarinets with stamped sheet metal keys. They were unplayable, and the ergonomics were terrible.
Ken Shaw
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-04-25 06:24
I think both Ken and Chris clearly make the point that quality speaks for itself (good or bad).
One only needs to see an F. Arthur Uebel in person to realize what we are dealing with here (and hopefully play it as well).
My point is simply this: you have a quality clarinet that plays in tune and should last as long as any other clarinet on the market. There are no other parameters that matter to a clarinetist.
And in honor of the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare:
"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
................Paul Aviles
|
|
|
|
|
Author: efsf081
Date: 2016-04-25 06:38
Paul, my point and conclusion is also simply.
Every one need to know is: In professional clarinet industry, Uebel is the only company try to hide the origin country of their product.
I am sure that Uebel make their (whole) professional clarinet in China. I don't know any other company makes professional instrument not in their own country. (Some one please correct me if I am wrong, thanks.)
Buffet/Selmer-France, Peter Eaton-England, Backun-Canada, Yamaha-Japan, etc..........
If Uebel really success, it is a revolution in clarinet industry. Uebel really should tell us more.
Thanks. And it is my last reply of this topic.
James S: I know "made in ......" may not mean too much, but at least the use of this team have restricted by law. Let focus on the marking on clarinet body. I am talking about making the whole clarinet in other country, Buffet don't make their clarinet joint, tone hole and under cut in China, right?
Post Edited (2016-04-25 11:53)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: James S
Date: 2016-04-25 07:16
4 of those 5 have components made in China, if not large portions of certain models.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: clarnibass
Date: 2016-04-25 08:20
>> My point is simply this: you have a quality clarinet that plays in tune and should last as long as any other clarinet on the market. There are no other parameters that matter to a clarinetist. <<
Not necessarily.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-04-25 16:42
Well, I may have missed one or two "parameters" but you get the point.
A person or thing speaks for itself. Anything else is pure prejudice.
...................Paul Aviles
|
|
|
|
|
Author: donald
Date: 2016-04-26 15:59
As I have stated on this board previously, there are many fine crafts-people in China and some of them know how to make clarinets. I've played a really good A clarinet with impeccable intonation that is basically a "stencil" to be branded by whoever can provide capital... on that instrument (owned by a high school student) after 4 or 5 years the plating peeled off.
The big issue is not "is there such a thing as a good Chinese clarinet?" but can the production line be relied on to maintain standards. So far, it would seem Uebel have solved THAT problem.
Back to the film clip. I'm very reluctant to ever really criticise other players on here- there are some famous players I really don't respect, but I know I've also done some poor performances in my time that I'd rather were forgotten so know how hard it is to stay good ALL the time...
However I don't think there's anything in that video clip that demonstrates the tonal consistency of an Uebel clarinet. The top C, which I don't consider a particularly problematic note, is there- as it is on many clarinets. It's such a short clip, why he didn't do a couple and choose the best is a mystery. Or not a mystery.
dn
|
|
|
|
|
Author: seabreeze
Date: 2016-04-26 18:30
Donald,
As famous and well-paid a clarinetist as Benny Goodman told Aaron Copland that he wasn't comfortable playing that high C, and Copland removed it from his concerto. At any Clarinet Fest, you can hear dozens of clarinetists shreiking out that C with a horrible, piercing sound, and the intonation is all over the place. Josh's C is pleasant and in tune. I've tried the Uebel, and the intonation is much more even than on a typical Buffet. Why not try one and report back what you find?
I like the way that Josh (who also professionally plays flute, bassoon, and oboe) and other players are opening up the eyes of the clarinet world to competitively priced Boehm clarinets beyond the usual choices of Buffet, Selmer, and Yamaha. Clarinets made by Ridenour, Uebel, and Gao, for example, are all worth trying and are often suprising in the value and quality they offer.
Josh's little video demos may not be up for a Grammy Award, but they are educational. He's done some on the Ridenour clarinets and now on the Uebel, and I would like to see him do some on the Gaos as well. All these brands deserve a hearing! I doubt that we are going to see Ricardo Morales, Martin Frost, Sabine Meyer, Wenzel Fuchs, or Andraes Ottensamer any time soon doing cross-brand comparisons of clarinets on YouTube, so in their absence, I welcome Josh's offerings.
Post Edited (2016-04-26 19:52)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-04-26 19:08
Note on the Uebel price:
They are in line with the Buffets....... NOT a big difference in price.
..........Paul Aviles
|
|
|
|
|
Author: tucker ★2017
Date: 2016-07-02 22:10
All Uebels are manufactured in Germany. If it really matters to anyone and you'd like verification, contact the sole importer located in Savannah, GA. Moe-Bleichner Music Distribution.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: patrica
Date: 2016-07-02 22:34
[Original Post Deleted]
As I repeatedly said it really does not matter where they are made, I therefore delete all my posts on this topic. My apology for any offense.
Post Edited (2016-07-07 14:22)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: tucker ★2017
Date: 2016-07-02 22:56
Patrica, what is the source of your information?
Post Edited (2016-07-02 22:58)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: patrica
Date: 2016-07-02 23:10
[Original Post Deleted]
As I repeatedly said it really does not matter where they are made, I therefore delete all my posts on this topic. My apology for any offense.
Post Edited (2016-07-07 14:21)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: tucker ★2017
Date: 2016-07-02 23:30
Sounds like a conflict of information. I'll verify. Thanks, Patrica!
|
|
|
|
|
Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2016-07-02 23:44
I'm half tempted to buy a Chinese "18 Key" clarinet and see how it sounds.
-Jdbassplayer
|
|
|
|
|
Author: patrica
Date: 2016-07-02 23:45
[Original Post Deleted]
As I repeatedly said it really does not matter where they are made, I therefore delete all my posts on this topic. My apology for any offense.
Post Edited (2016-07-07 14:23)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: j8649
Date: 2016-07-03 01:22
I called Ubel distributer in GA. All Ubels are made in Germany, not China. I have a Ubel Superior and it is a wonderful instrument. On par or better that an R13
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2016-07-03 01:44
j8649 wrote:
> I called Ubel distributer in GA. All Ubels are made in
> Germany, not China. I have a Ubel Superior and it is a
> wonderful instrument. On par or better that an R13
Ubel or Uebel? There might be a,difference.
Also, as I indicated before, Made In Germany may not mean what you or the distributor thinks.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: CEC
Date: 2016-07-03 01:51
I found a comment here:
http://www.dawkes.co.uk/uebel+classic+888+-+bb+clarinet+clarinet.dm?catno=uebel%20classic%20888%20bb%20clt
"Research shows that this (Uebel Classic 888 - Bb Clarinet) is made in China but at Uebels own factory with their people at the helm."
But it may only relate to their intermediate line. Or it may be incorrect.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: patrica
Date: 2016-07-03 02:13
[Original Post Deleted]
As I repeatedly said it really does not matter where they are made, I therefore delete all my posts on this topic. My apology for any offense.
Post Edited (2016-07-07 14:24)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: patrica
Date: 2016-07-03 02:33
[Original Post Deleted]
As I repeatedly said it really does not matter where they are made, I therefore delete all my posts on this topic. My apology for any offense.
Post Edited (2016-07-07 14:24)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: jthole
Date: 2016-07-03 12:45
Doesn't matter what foreign distributors say ...
"Die Firmal F.A. Uebel fertigt ihre Klarinetten in der Provinz Shandong (China). Die Fertigung ist ein hundertprozentiges Tochterunternehmen der F.A. Arthur Uebel GmbH in Wiesbaden." (clarino.de, quoting Michael Dürk).
I would not be worried about the clarinets being made in a Chinese factory. But I might be slightly more worried about Michael Dürk not being with Uebel (and living in China) anymore. Since he moved back to Germany, and founded his own company, I wonder who is overseeing the Uebel production in China nowadays.
Post Edited (2016-07-04 00:49)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: tucker ★2017
Date: 2016-07-06 21:17
I have received an e-mail from the Uebel ... Here is the response in part:
The line of Boehm System Clarinets is completely produced in
Markneukirchen, but Uebel does operate an extended workshop in China. F. Arthur Uebel owns the workshop so everything produced there is held to the same standards and is overseen by the same staff.
This is likely where the confusion stems from.
In summary, the important and value-adding processes and components
happen in the factories in Germany and the workshop in China is not
commissioned but owned and operated by Uebel, which ensures consistent
quality.
However, all this doesn't affect the French System Clarinets anyway,
since they are completely manufactured in Germany (Markneukirchen).
All I know is I LOVE my Emperior.
Post Edited (2016-07-07 18:13)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: patrica
Date: 2016-07-07 00:31
[Original Post Deleted]
As I repeatedly said it really does not matter where they are made, I therefore delete all my posts on this topic. My apology for any offense.
Post Edited (2016-07-07 15:15)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: patrica
Date: 2016-07-07 01:05
[Original Post Deleted]
As I repeatedly said it really does not matter where they are made, I therefore delete all my posts on this topic. My apology for any offense.
Post Edited (2016-07-07 14:23)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: patrica
Date: 2016-07-07 01:11
[Original Post Deleted]
As I repeatedly said it really does not matter where they are made, I therefore delete all my posts on this topic. My apology for any offense.
Post Edited (2016-07-07 14:20)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: jthole
Date: 2016-07-07 01:24
Well, this thread definitely piqued my interest in the Uebel clarinets ... I think I'm going to look out for an opportunity to try them.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: tucker ★2017
Date: 2016-07-07 02:19
Patrica.... my email went to and came from Germany. I'm just reporting what I learned from someone at Uebel. Unless they are lying and this this is the start of Clarinet-gate, I'll take them for their word.
Personally I don't care where they are made.... they could even be made in Australia and I'd be okay with it. I was just trying to clear up what seemed to be a misunderstanding in this thread.
I completely respect your choice to believe whatever you wish. All I know I couldn't be more thrilled with my horn, be it German, Chinese, British, African, or from the Moon. 
Post Edited (2016-07-07 02:23)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: patrica
Date: 2016-07-07 02:26
[Original Post Deleted]
As I repeatedly said it really does not matter where they are made, I therefore delete all my posts on this topic. My apology for any offense.
Post Edited (2016-07-07 14:20)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: efsf081
Date: 2016-07-07 05:31
If uebel really make their clarinet in Germany. Why there is no relative marking on their clarinet?
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-07-07 06:08
I try to be nice most of the time but I am SOOOO glad to hear that our local troll will not post anymore about this.
It reminds of when I was stupid enough to look up reviews of mattresses on the internet. Invariably every model of every brand had reviews that looked like this:
"I purchased XYZ mattress with the fullest confidence in the blah-blah company and in only six weeks of sleeping on their product I am now permanently a quadriplegic."
Apparently EVERY manufacturer makes a point of trashing their competitor.
If nothing else we ALL need to try their three top models (Advantage, Preference and Superior) to judge for ourselves the quality of sound and construction.
"Patrica" (if that is indeed her/his real name) never bothered to mention that the acoustic design of the current Uebel Boehms was done by Jochen Seggelke of Schwenk and Seggelke custom made clarinets. I don't think anyone would question the quality of those horns.........and not have to put up with an onslaught of protests.
...............Paul Aviles
|
|
|
|
|
Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2016-07-07 06:10
I have a better question, why do you care so much?
A good clarinet is a good clarinet, end of story
-Jdbassplayer
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-07-07 06:39
If you are referring to me, I care about quality and the truth.
Trolling the internet is about as low as you can go.
..............Paul Aviles
|
|
|
|
|
Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2016-07-07 06:48
Sorry Paul I was referring to efsf081
|
|
|
|
|
Author: efsf081
Date: 2016-07-07 11:03
good acoustic design equal good clarinet? Then why Ridenour handtune his clarinet one by one?
Well, maybe he have too much time?
|
|
|
|
|
Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2016-07-07 14:01
Efsf081,
No, a good clarinet (good keywork, good intonation, ect) is good even if it's manufacturer does not disclose its country of manufacture. Does Uebel make their clarinets in China? I don't know. Is this a reason to bash their company and suggest that people avoid their instruments? Absolutely not. If Uebel clarinets are well made and have stiff, strong keywork then why does it matter where they were made?
I for one am looking forward to trying out an Uebel Superior before making any conclusions about their quality, and I encourage you to do the same.
-Jdbassplayer
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-07-07 14:07
If you all don't mind I think I should like to elevate the level of this discussion to some specifics about the Uebel clarinets themselves (if that's ok).
So the Uebels come with two barrels (one short, one longer). I played on the longer barrel during the Winter when pitch is normally at it's lowest for us and I had to pull out a fair degree. I would not think that a normal clarinetist in the States would have much use for the shorter barrel that comes with the Uebel presently. THAT, is an actual criticism.
Uebel seems to have worked out a way to make the first space "F" play in tune at reasonably loud levels. What that means to most of us who compensate for that naturally over the years is that the first space "F" will be too sharp for a while until we get used to the oddity of this improvement. Another REAL talking point of the Uebel design.
I had the opportunity to be at a "showing" of a lot of their horns with the added presence of two factory representatives (both German by the way). When all the horns are out on tables (in multiples), it gets a little hard to tell them apart (particularly from the back aspect of the horns). So how did THEY tell the different models apart? Weight. All of them are silver plated (ALL OF THEM), but as you get higher in the models, the plating becomes considerably thicker than what we are used to here in the U.S. and that makes the horns noticeably heavier as you move up the line.
This led to my inevitable question: "What makes them progressively more expensive besides the plating?" The answer was "greater attention to the design and finishing of the bore." Besides getting fancier on exactly what a company does to the bore of a clarinet (usually a carefully guarded secret..... as much as that is possible), there is the hand finishing and tuning that is so crucial to getting a clarinet to play properly. This is most obviously the issue with the "Classic." I find the intonation of the lower chalumeau to be rather poor on this particular model, becoming far too sharp to be useful. Another REAL criticism.
I would be more than happy to discuss pros and cons of these clarinets with anyone.........particularly anyone who is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, German, English and has the means to travel freely and regularly to:both Markneukirchen in Germany and Shandong in China.
I might learn how to deal with the restrictive communist regime in China and be a better tourist........when I have that kind of time and money that is.
..................Paul Aviles
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2016-07-07 15:42
Paul Aviles wrote:
> If you all don't mind I think I should like to elevate the
> level of this discussion to some specifics about the Uebel
> clarinets themselves (if that's ok).
No, It's NOT ok, Paul. I think the origin of the clarinets, especially the misdirection of the Uebel company, is interesting. While they might be the best clarinets in the world, why the misdirection? In fact, doesn't this prove that good clarinets can actually come from China?
I think it's interesting. Browbeating a member of this board who actually can find out this kind of interesting tidbit is much worse ... don't you think?
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2016-07-07 15:54
jdbassplayer wrote:
> manufacture. Does Uebel make their clarinets in China? I don't
> know. Is this a reason to bash their company and suggest that
> people avoid their instruments?
Wait. Where did our poster bash Uebel? And even if the poster did - they have a right to an opinion - even an opinion you don't like. As to Uebel''s manufacturing location - it's of interest to a lot of us. If you don't give a damn - that's fine.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2016-07-07 17:28
I never said it wasn't important, I'm saying we shouldn't judge an instrument solely by where it's made. I agree with Paul that we should be discussing the specifics of the Uebel Superior.
-Jdbassplayer
|
|
|
|
|
Author: tucker ★2017
Date: 2016-07-07 18:40
I know this thread started out about the tonal consistency of the Superiors and morphed into several "discussions" regarding Uebel.
I've not played a Superior, just the Emperior. The tonal quality is incredible. I'm amazed at how in tune the horn is when I clip on my tuner. There are only a few notes which are plus/minus more than a few cents off, but I think that's a function of my embouchure than anything else. I'm still getting my chops back after many years absence.
The ease of which the horn plays is extraordinary. As a returning player, I had some issues especially in the upper registers. This horn plays up to altissimo effortlessly. (At this point I don't venture into altissimo... ha ha). This horn required a LOT more "oomph" than my Ridenour... bigger bore, I'm assuming.
When I returned to playing, I borrowed a Selmer USA and wrestled with for a month or two. Terrible horn, IMO. I then did a LOT of research, with a lot of help from some of you folks on here (again, thanks), and decided to purchase a Ridenour low Eb. GREAT horn for the $$$. After a couple of months, I decided I wanted a low C.... Ridenour didn't have any available, so from a suggestion here, I checked out Uebel. Very happy I did.
I guess my analogy would be this. My Ridenour is like driving a Kia.... Kia makes some great cars for the $$. My Uebel is like driving a Mercedes. Solid, substantial, well made, sturdy, "drives" like a dream.
My bottom line, if the Superiors are anything like the Emperiors.... I'd strongly recommend a test drive.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-07-07 19:03
I like the appearance of the Emperior bass as it looks very German with the top joint being the same diameter all the way up to the top instead of necking in where the socket ring is. Also the bell bow curve is more gentle compared to the squared off curve on Buffets. The lack of adjusting screws on the linkages between the joints is a minor thing, but provided they're adjusted well, there shouldn't be a problem.
The only things I didn't like the look of were the square edged adjusting screw pips on the RH main action and the bell engraving, but they're only cosmetic. But it played incredibly well using the stock plastic mouthpiece, so I can only assume great things with a more personal choice of set-up.
Had I taken my mouthpieces with me I'd have given their soprano clarinets a try as well. I had a look over them and can see they're well built and sprung nicely (and have the RH F#/C# key sprung properly unlike Buffets).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2016-07-07 22:44
Was there another comment that got removed or am I just getting old?
Or are we now censoring our discussions so we don't offend the big boys?
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-07-07 23:16
There was one after I posted my last reply.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
|
|
|
Author: jthole
Date: 2016-07-07 23:22
"All Uebels are manufactured in Germany. If it really matters to anyone and you'd like verification, contact the sole importer located in Savannah, GA. Moe-Bleichner Music Distribution."
I've contacted the company directly ... not wanting to contradict what an importer is stating, but I'd rather believe the direct source (Arnold Stölzel, owners of the Uebel brand).
Regardless of where they are made, I am going to try making an appointment to test their Boehm clarinets. They sound very interesting, in quality of workmanship and materials, and in their design (cooperation with Jochen Seggelke). If their Superior model is as good as various posters here state, then I'd definitely consider them (my teacher plays a Schwenk & Seggelke handmade instrument, but that is outside my range ...)
Post Edited (2016-07-08 00:08)
|
|
|
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2016-07-08 01:28
jdbassplayer wrote:
> Or are we now censoring our discussions so we don't offend the
> big boys
These discussions are moderated. I don't give a rat''s patootie about any big boys, but I do care when people go on too long and & browbeat people.
|
|
|
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
