 The Clarinet BBoard
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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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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2015-04-27 20:16
Regular Penzels depending on condition go for ~100$ (as low as $40 for incomplete to ~200 for well rebuilt). "A" in general rare and will go for 200+ for just about any brand.
BT may actually fetch more, if restored. L38xx puts it about 1933, in line with your findings> Here is more info on Selmers:
http://www.clarinetperfection.com/clsnSelmerParis.htm
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Author: jzierten
Date: 2015-04-28 00:00
Thanks CP! I had seen the site with the selmer dates. But it doesn't help with valuing. I was reading that the A cls are mostly only used for classical and it is or was not uncommon for professional concert musicians to own an instrument in both keys for various pieces.
I haven't seen any examples of the A keyed PM online which led me to think they were pretty rare. I did see some crazy price of like $1500ish for an artist model in A on eBay, but it was buy it now not a real auction. If it does sell for that price however.....
The PM has silver plated keys that were almost black. I cleaned them up a little so the black wasnt coming off on my hands while handling it. The Selmer keys and metal work don't have that problem and just have a dull oily sheen to them, maybe just a nickel plate or more nickel than silver in the mix.
I will take them some place next week with another music nerd friend of mine and have them all looked at.
Post Edited (2015-04-28 00:01)
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Author: jzierten
Date: 2015-04-28 03:09
One more note: the Selmer has the word DEROSE stamped in tiny almost illegible letters above everything else. Any idea what that means?
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2015-04-28 06:18
The word is actually "Depose" and it means "trademark". You'll find it on many instruments, and almost anything else, of French manufacture.
Tony F.
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