F A Uebel, Bass Clarinet, to low C
This is a superb, rare, handmade Bass clarinet in wood, to low C, stamped "F Arthur Uebel Markneukirchen ". This clarinet is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct, having been owned and played professionally here in the UK. The F A Uebel design of Boehm system Bass clarinet differs radically from that of the major French manufacturers' in that it is basically a much smaller bore instrument, 20mm rather than 23mm bore, which is closer to the regular Bb clarinet in tone and ease of response. The tone has a lovely warmth and focus, a quintessential German sound. If you are looking for a superbly even, well tuned instrument, capable of rapid passage work, and also long phrases, then this is the Bass for you.
This instrument is in very good condition: NO cracks, marks or damage to the Grenadilla wood. The silver plate, is likewise in excellent condition, the crook has one tiny pin head ding, but for an instrument manufactured nearly 50 years ago, the condition is exemplary. The Uebel design has small grub screws attached to every pillar to ensure maximum efficiency, and lack of movement on every rod. Consequently the regulation and positive feel of the complex mechanism is second to none. The quality of the key work and plating is also superior to current mass produced French design. NB. With the Uebel design, the double overblowing vent is actuated by the mechanism for the C/G LH3 touchpiece. Therefore, unlike wider bore French Bass clarinet designs, there is no need for a double correspondence mechanism across both main joints. The original mouthpiece, S/N 11029, has been re-layed by Edward Pillinger to facing A170 L. This m'piece plays well with softer Alto Sax reeds, i.e. traditional Vandoren No.2. The pads throughout are white leather in used condition. This Bass has been down to our workshop for a thorough "check down" and regulation as necessary. The matching serial nos. on both main joints are 950-75182. I understand that the first two digits of the longer number, are, in fact, the year of manufacture: 1975. The original case shows some wear to the interior and exterior but is fully functional.