Penzel-Mueller Pruefer Eb

Thanks to Marcus Walsh for the privilege of reviewing this very fun instrument!

The markings on this clarinet are kind of schizophrenic. It could be parts of more than one efer. The bell has Penzel only on the top line, which is centered. What is below that is unclear. The RH joint seems to say Penzel-Mueller on the top line and Pruefer in the middle, with NY, New York on the bottom. The LH joint was probably stamped the same as the RH joint, but only the top line is readable. The hard rubber barrel has a picture of a lyre/ Greek harp on it with ‘TRADE’ and ‘MARK’ on either side.

Serial #4769

Barrel: non-original 38.4mm

Bore LH joint top: 13.0mm

Bore LH joint at bottom: 13.0mm

Intonation results taken when playing loud and not lipping. See how to interpret these results on the Model Comparison Page.

For this test, I pulled 0 at the barrel and 0 at the center tenon.

Intonation summary: When I was a sophomore in college, I had the good fortune to play a Penzel-Mueller Eb clarinet. It as a Boehm system. Was it ever a good horn! I bet this has similar acoustics. I would much rather play an Eb that was sharp in the lower register and in tune up in the top where composers tend to have it play! I consider this professional intonation for an Eb.

Key work quality: Good.

This clarinet is most appropriate for: Anyone wanting a quality vintage Albert system Eb.

Condition issues noted: Five screws on the LH joint cannot be removed.