Penzel-Mueller Artist Professional Bb Clarinet

Up for your consideration is an early 1940s "Top of the Line" Professional Key of Bb clarinet. At time of production this Artist model was the top of the line. Later on around 1945 the Brilliante model was introduced. This clarinet is considered Pre-Brilliante "Artist Model".  Many feel these early 1st generation Artist models are actually better sounding with better construction quality than the Brilliante models. These are narrow bore clarinets. Penzel-Mueller founders where German immigrants. Their family were well-established woodwind makers in Germany. Keep in mind German/Austrian clarinets typically have always been a narrow bore design ie:  Oeheler clarinets. Penzel-Mueller clarinet incorporated old school artisan techniques with modern tools & machinery yielding some of the best clarinets during their time. Construction quality is that of a Buffet and Selmer Paris. Wood quality on their top of the line models surpass wood quality on many Buffet models. The main difference between French clarinets and top of the line USA clarinets in that era is French clarinet makers preferred to use silver plating, whereas Penzel-Mueller favored more durable German Silver. Both used blued steel needle springs and quality aged wood. 

Serial Number 17214
This clarinet is in excellent condition and recently thoroughly overhauled with all new pads and corks [clarinet_connoisseur].  The wood is absolutely stunning on this clarinet. Key plating is in superb condition. It has a very nice dark focused tone. Penzel-Mueller Artist Models are not large bore clarinets. These have relatively smaller bore measurements compared to a 14.65mm Buffet R-13. The bore is 14.55mm, tapered cylindrical bore design, and has undercut tone holes. It has traditional cylindrical bore like the new Buffet Traditional model which has a cylindrical bore. Yes, Buffet Crampon has re-introduced cylindrical bores clarinets similar to their old Pre-R13 models and master bore models... now costing around $4,500.00 for a key Bb. 

Construction quality is superb... solidly built, meticulous attention to detail in tone hole construction.  The extremely solid tight grain "heartwood" grenadilla wood is stunning. The inner bore is perfect, no cracks or imperfections at all. The PM Artist model was favored by Woody Herman in the 1930s and early 1940s. 

(FYI he played a Selmer Paris N Series in the early 1950s, then a Leblanc Dynamic H in the 1960s- 1980s.

These top of the line Artist models were primarily hand crafted.  Many were actually built by Walter Mueller himself. He performed most of the undercutting of the tone holes. 

Provided are 2 barrels; an Artist model 66mm, and a 65mm from a  Penzel-Mueller "Empire" model.  

Two mouthpieces are provided; an original Penzel-Mueller Artist 3 (a chip reduces playability—but it is original); and a professional B. Portnoy BP02 model. I feel the Portnoy plays better than the original Artist 3.  The Portnoy mouthpiece is in excellent condition and was barely used. [However, if the buyer has their own mouthpiece, I would keep the Portnoy as a backup myself.]

The case is an original Penzel-Mueller case and engraved with USN, United States Navy. It is in SUPERB condition. 

[There is a Penzel-Mueller fan club, which can be used to research this fine instrument.]

Recently serviced by Vintage Clarinet Doctor (Jeremy Soule), who addressed leaks, loose keys, and installed leather pads (also provided expert assessment and advice on selling). Clarinet was purchased by “clarinet-connoiseur” at an estate sale in New Jersey, owned by a man who served in the U.S. Navy (in 40’s), then was a high school band teacher, who also played in local groups. (I developed a crush on this clarinet, its personal history, and the brand, as well. Loved its tone and condition, but in trying to play a lot to get back into clarinet playing after 45 years, found it needed too much attention, seemingly constant adjustment. I kept sinking money into it, and decided I had better quit while ahead (and while it is in good condition to sell). Sound samples included, please excuse errors—the fault of the amateur player, not the clarinet.

I cannot accept returns, but will be glad to answer any questions before selling.