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Penzel and Mueller Clarinet in the Key of A

Author: jzierten
Date: 2015-04-27 12:08

Hello,
I recently picked up a few clarinets from an estate sale. I don't think I paid too much but that's not really the issue. One of the instruments is a Penzal and Mueller with a serial number 11182 (I think, it's not in front of me.) The serial is horizontal above the lower joint of both segments. The name is in an oval of checks and has an eagle above it. There is no model name. Above the eagle is the letter A in between two periods, ".A."

It's longer than a Bb by several inches, plays an A with just the left hand three fingers and thumb, and is slightly flat by a few Hz, on my fancy android tuning app. The tone is good. It also had an L.P. Pat. Pend. at the top.

From what I have been able to glean from looking at sites and from what I know about the previous owner, I think he purchased this and a Selmer in Bb (the other clarinet I bought) in the mid 30's. Both are in good condition, with only the pads really needing a replacement and perhaps the cork as well. All the keys are good looking and not showing any flaking or wearing through of the plate.

The PM is actually playable. The register key pad is just starting to go and one or two of the upper register side pads needs to be replaced, but I might as well do them all right? The only thing that is bothering me is the barrel is firmly stuck on to the top half. It will not come loose short of getting the pipe wrenches out(not going to do that.) But the case it is in accommodates that.

My questions after all that are basically what is it worth? How common are they? How much could I ask for it? Who would actually be interested in it?

I was planning to buy both and keep one. The Selmer (an L38XX (I think) model number, B.T.) needs more work(pads and cork), and is not playable really in its current state. I don't think I will be needing an A keyed instrument, but you never know? Which one should I keep/sell? Which one is more valuable? I can sell one to fix the other, but is that worth it? Thanks!!!
Josh

Post Edited (2015-04-27 12:24)

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