G. Pruefer Boehm system clarinet
Low pitch, Bb-flat
Gustav Franz Pruefer (1861-1951) was a German immigrant to the United States. He opened a music store in 1885. 8 years later he started a production of woodwind instruments. From 1920 he was vice-president of “The Penzel-Müller Company”, and in 1942 he got his own company: “Pruefer Mfr. Co.”
Among other things, he invented a kind of metal lining of the upper part of clarinets. The method was patented in 1931, and these instruments came to be known as “silverthroat clarinets”.
This clarinet is a Silverthroat. You can see the nickel alloy sleave on the photo.
The clarinet itself is made of hard rubber. Tuning in Bb, slightly above A=440 with my mouthpiece.
The serial number is 8790. According to a serial number chart I found online, it should have been produced in 1934-38. But since it is stamped G. Pruefer MFR, Providence, Rhode Island, I think it was manufactured under the company Pruefer established in 1942.
The instrument is 58,9 cm long from top of barrel to bottom of bell and the total weight is 718 grams. The bore is 14,9 mm. Relatively large for a Boehm.
All new leather pads and new corks throughout the clarinet, including tenons.
All the keys have been cleaned and bent back in positions. Springs, rods and screws cleaned from rust and subsequently lubricated and adjusted.
The Pruefer Silverthroat clarinet comes in a case I believe to be original.
This has become a very fine clarinet. It plays beautifully without any trouble.
The price is DKK 850,- (EUR 116,-) plus shipping.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if You are interested or have any questions.
– And please remember I’m not a professional repairman. If there are issues I can’t handle, I take it to a professional.
The Pruefer Silverthroat is sold as it is, very old, no guarantee or money back.
Sometimes I have other clarinets for sale. Check it out here:
Shop