 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: shazznen
Date: 2010-11-11 22:07
Hello,
I have an old wooden clarinet with "P. Gutowski Elizabeth N.J" engraved on it, and I can't find any information on it at all. I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me?
Thank You!
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Author: sunleobe
Date: 2012-02-18 14:58
Good morning
My name is Bryan Weitz. My mother is Helen Weitz (maiden name Gutowski). This morning I was looking at some old photos, which included my grandfather, Peter Gutowski. On a whim, i decided to do a google search to see if i could find any information on the web about my grandfather, who has a big place in my heart and soul, but never did have the chance to meet.
He owned a music shop in elizabeth, new jersey. He taught, he played, sold and repaired instruments. Though i never met him in person, i see a lot in myself that must have been passed down from him. There is no doubt the clarinet you refer to passed through his shop.
Do you still have the instrument? It's very exciting to me.
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Author: shazznen
Date: 2012-02-21 04:48
Dear Mr. Weitz,
My name is Shannon and while I am surprised to find such a response to my post here I am very pleased and excited! I had searched the internet for information about this wooden clarinet and its maker for a long time and never found anything.
The clarinet was given to me by a family friend when I was a child and I played it until I was a teenager. I always wondered about its origins because I had never seen (and still haven't seen) a clarinet like it, and its unique beauty added to its mysterious air. My music teachers always fawned over this instrument, stating the tone produced is inherently superior over its modern counterparts.
I still have the clarinet in my possession. I admit with much regret that I do not know if I still have its original case, which was large and old-fashioned, and covered with what I believe to be some sort of reptile skin.
Please feel free to respond again as I would love to gain more information about your grandfather Peter Gutowski. Thank you for responding to this post!
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Author: BobD
Date: 2012-02-21 20:30
You are truly an "eagle eye" Allan. You are referring to my old post about a "J.Gutowski" I assume. I note in my database I simply refer to it as "Gutowski" , so, it's possible that I added the J. from bad memory. The serial number was, however, 7996C and I thought it looked very much like a Buffet of that vintage. I did sell the instrument and don't recall what the case looked like. Oh, either the case or horn was engraved "Elizabeth, N.J."
Bob Draznik
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Author: BobD
Date: 2012-02-21 20:39
I looked at my old records and note that the instrument had different serial numbers on the two sections......7996C on the bottom and 8016C on the top. I also note that the record shows "P.Gutowski" and that I purchased it 6/20/2004 for $23.50 plus shipping. I sold it 11/9/2006. I'm led to believe that there was only one Gutowski clarinet shop in Elizabeth, N.J. and it was P......not J.
Bob Draznik
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Author: JKG
Date: 2012-04-09 00:40
I have a P. Gutowski Clarinet as well. it was given to me by my Aunt in 1948, who lived in Elizabeth N.J. It curretly is no longer working and I am hoping to find parts to reapir mine. Would you know of any place I could get parts for this.
Kyle Graham
Ottawa ON
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Author: sunleobe
Date: 2012-04-20 15:29
Hello Kyle
As for parts, i would simply suggest starting with a local music shop that sells instruments. If they don't have the parts, i would guess they can point you in the right direction. If you are interested in selling the clarinet, i am not concerned with its disrepair. I would buy it for sentimental value, as it had passed through my grandfathers hands at some point in time. Please let me know and good luck if you should look for parts.
bryan
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Author: sunleobe
Date: 2012-04-20 15:50
Hello Shannon
I am pleased to see YOUR response! My grandfather passed away before i was born, yet i feel quite connected to him, particularly as i have discovered characteristics in myself that he also possessed. I am talking about his love of music, of course, but other things as well. One particularly interesting bit is that he studies and practiced yoga. This was in the 1930's, well before most people had even heard of yoga. I admire this about him and it helps me make sense of some of my own pursuits and interests in life. He and his wife came to the US from Poland. They lived in Elizabeth, NJ for many years, first above the music shop he owned, then in a home adjacent to Warinanco Park in Elizabeth. I am not sure if he would have built your instrument, or just sold or repaired it. I will ask my mother (his daughter) if she recalls him building instruments. Her memories are fading. She is turning 86 next month. But we'll see. I'm happy to know this particular clarinet is in the hands of someone who has great appreciation of it.
bryan
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Author: JKG
Date: 2012-04-26 23:59
Bryan, I would like to communicate further with you. It would be
appreciated if you could give me your Email here is mine:- kyle.lois@sympatico.ca. AT my age 82 yrs. young the Email system is the only system that I know. My children have to help me with
everything else, including The Clarinet BBoard.
Kyle Graham
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Author: johnsimonnet
Date: 2014-08-21 02:52
Hello fellow forum users!
I hate to revive such an old thread, but i have a good reason so bear with me!
Ive been playing piano for about 10 years and sax/clarinet for about 8.
Long story short i borrowed a tenor sax from my high school and i fell in love with it. The tone is beautiful. The workmanship is incredible.
ANYWAY, the reason i am on this thread is because it doesn't have any brand markings. all it says is "GUTOWSKI, SPECIAL ELIZABETH, N.J." with the serial number "11456"
At first i assumed it was just a shop brand ordered from the manufacturer so i started searching the internet for what the sax might be. I used the specifics of the physical instrument, such as the rolled tone holes, to find a matching one and long story short i found that it almost perfectly matches a conn naked lady.
but there are a few parts that just don't match.
So thats why i am here i was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about this sax at all.
Thank you to anyone who takes the time to read and look at this!
-John Simonnet
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Author: Mgloede
Date: 2023-07-16 23:10
I am Peter Gutowski’s great niece. My grandfather, John Gutowski was a musician who immigrated after his older brother Peter. John Gutowski specialized playing woodwind instruments.
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