Penzel-Mueller Soloist


Thanks to Dalton H. for these pictures!

Dalton's said: 
“My technitian is knowledgable about all my clarinets and says it is the best clarinet I have— and thats saying a lot because my Yamaha Pro is a nice horn.   Anyway, has a thought about the Soloist because it is so rare and it has Paris, New York  and Toronto also engraved on the bell.  It is his belief that the Soloist was a limited production model to be sold to or possibly presented to important players - possibly even at a worlds fair or the like.  He has worked on other PM clarinets and feels they were a good product but feels that the Soloist is a definate cut above the norm.”

I hope to get a chance to review one of these someday. I agree that Penzel-Mueller instruments are a cut above many of the instruments of that day.

Penzel-Mueller Soloist



Thanks to Gary Kern for letting me review this great instrument!


Serial  #4004B RH joint seems to say L4004H. Serial number is written vertically as on their other models.

Barrel:  65.3mm

Bore LH joint top:  14.7mm

Bore LH joint at bottom:  14.75mm


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 0.2mm  at the barrel and 0mm  at the center tenon.


High register


Android CarlTune


F

10


E

8


D

10


C

0


B

0


B-flat

9


A

2

Mid




G

0


F

0


E

0


D

3


C

2


B

-11

Throat tones




Bb

-7


A

7


G

0


F

-1


E

4

Chalemeau




D



C

0


B-flat

9


A

9


G

1


F

4


E

7


Intonation summary: Professional level, even compared to modern poly-cylindrical instruments.


Key work quality: This one is showing that it has been played and loved before. The key work shows that it was sturdy, but probably lacked somewhat in fit and finish even when it was new. Now with added play/looseness because of wear, it is getting more difficult to regulate.


This clarinet is most appropriate for: Anyone who wants a great vintage instrument.


Condition issues noted: Chips on lower LH joint tenon filled and stabilized.


Penzel-Mueller Soloist from Gary


Phil's other PM Soloist Reconditioning:

5Feb2015, #6847B, for Lynn F. in ID. As the one above, this has fabulous intonation.

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