The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Three Oehlers: which one to overhaul?

Author: Bill
Date: 2019-07-21 06:43
Attachment: 20190719_120149.jpg (271k)

Like most people, I guess, I have three vintage Oehler system b-flat clarinets, and I have the budget (at present) to have just one overhauled. Below are the candidates.

(1) "Full" Oehler system (but without low E improvement) marked "JAN MICHL A SYN, KRASLICE, CECHY." I interpret this to be Johann Michl and Sons, Graslitz, Czechoslovakia, a musical instrument firm that ceased around 1936. From my reading, they did not make their own instruments but merely sold instruments (especially violins) marked with their name ("stencil"). My guess is that Kohlert made this clarinet. Condition is aged but excellent. No cracks. Two barrels. Pristine (but old and musty). Length ***without barrel*** = 22 and 1/16 inches. (I have not attached any photos of this clarinet.)

(2) F. Arthur Uebel b-flat serial number(s) 9036 (on the top joint) and 9035 (bottom joint). Much more basic Oehler system (see photo). Entirely separate keys for throat A and G#. No cracks. Short, "thicker" bell. Length ***without barrel*** = 22 and 1/16 inches.

(3) F. Arthur Uebel b-flat serial number 10610 (matching on both joints). Same basic Oehler system (see photo). More contemporary design for throat A and
G#. Evidence of pinned cracks on top joint ("shiny" spots where pins were concealed). About five of these. Also visible hairline crack (possibly pinned) in top joint. Barrel frozen to top joint (cannot be removed). Length ***without barrel*** = 22 and 9/16 inches. This is a substantially longer clarinet than the Uebel above (#2). The bell is longer (and "thinner").

I've read the pre-1961 Uebels (before Arthur's death) are the good ones. I believe the ones I have are from the 1940s. But the "Michl" clarinet has the extended keywork and seems, while lacking the name recognition of the Uebel, a better survivor.

I am puzzled why two Uebels in close serial number range should be of such different overall lengths.

Thanks in advance for any advice. I want to learn and play German clarinet. The fact that it is a dying system just makes it more attractive to me. And I have tons of Buffets for a rainy day.

Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)

Post Edited (2019-07-21 06:52)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics