Description

C Clarinet – PENTENRIEDER, Benedict

This C clarinet was made by the Bavarian and Munich-based master instrument maker, Benedict PENTENRIEDER (1809-1849). Pentenrieder’s life story and that of his immediate family are quite sad ones. He lived a very short life… dying at the age of just 40. He worked at the same time and location as other instrument makers, such as Boehm, but is still rather undiscovered. He learnt woodwind making from Joseph EBNER (1791-1849) and is famous mainly for the flutes and clarinets he made.

The instrument is crafted in stained boxwood with horn rings and brass keys. It initially had 13 keys; however, two have been lost to time. It is stamped on all parts, except for the barrel and mouthpiece which are not original to this instrument. This clarinet is sold as is, for a well-deserved restoration.

Our opinion

Pentenrieder was a formidable woodwind maker and since his life was cut very short, very few of his instruments survive today. This is a fascinating clarinet and a unique collectible. Although it is in poor condition, any collector can benefit tremendously given its rarity.