Uebel Superior II Bb Clarinet - Grenadilla

The Superior II is one of the models I was wavering on carrying. I didn't at first because I thought it didn't provide something that the other Uebel models I carried did. But then I played it again more recently and decided that it did. It's more resistant than the Zenit for sure (to me at least), and as a result it plays up in the highest registers with a lot more ease (for me at least). Annnnnd, it does so with a very sweet, never-squeaky timbre. I was impressed, and decided to snag one for the shop. 

Resistance: 6/10, Medium 

The Superior II has a just-on-the-higher-side-of-medium resistance. This "push-back" provides a nice back-stop for altissimo, and I've noticed that when paired with a open mouthpiece (which tend to be harder to play up high—and which I tend to gravitate to) the high notes just kind of pop out. That's what sold me on this instrument, as I mentioned above. 

For those concerned about "resistance" it might be worth trying an instrument like the Superior II to see whether it might be a good fit for you. 

In general, more resistance in a clarinet design usually keeps the louder dynamic ranges from spreading; the clarinet "holds its core" and focus, but will provide a smaller dynamic range (on both ends, loud and soft) and smaller color palette. A less resistant clarinet typically provides a much wider tonal palette to choose from, but will require more control from the player to control pitch and sound consistency.

When listening for how a clarinet responds to added air pressure and embouchure control, listen to the Weber example (wide dynamic range and color range), then the Berlioz excerpt (wide dynamic range, but narrow color range), and finally the Gershwin excerpt (narrow dynamic range and narrow color range). You will hear how these clarinets respond — for better or worse! — to my input as a clarinet player.

Details

The Uebel warranty provides two years bumper-to-bumper, and an industry-leading five years against cracking and other wood-related issues.

This instrument comes with

• Clarinet case
• Vandoren B45 mouthpiece
• Two barrels (65mm, 66mm)
• Swab, shoulder strap (for case), cork grease, warranty card, etc.

All earspasm instruments come with a 7-day trial. Please read my trial policy before pulling out that credit card.

A geeky deep-dive into Uebel seasons their wood:

I often joke that Uebel is a wood company that happens to make clarinets. 

Uebel's wood seasoning process is unique among the manufacturers I carry. I toured their wood storage facility, and while I wasn't allowed to take pictures, let me describe it to you. The best comparison is that it's like a big wine cellar, located across the street from their office in Wiesbaden, Germany. Rather than buying billets (square logs) of raw wood, Uebel purchase the wood pre-turned. In other words, they're clarinet-shaped cylinders, with a small hole in the middle (which will become the bore). Then it sits there for 10 years or more, until it's made into a clarinet, so all I saw was stacks and stacks of wood tubes, floor-to-ceiling, just...sitting there. For a decade. 

The cellar is not climate controlled, so each piece of wood is subjected to at least 40 season changes before it's made into a clarinet. Uebel's logic is that letting the wood just naturally season (inside and out — hence the pre-drilled bore hole), if it's going to crack, it'll crack before you get it; if it doesn't crack, it'll be much less likely to crack once you break it in.

As I see it, there's a potential downside to naturally drying the wood: kiln-drying (like Backun, et al) allows you to control the wood's humidity more carefully, because the whole process is actively managed. Naturally air-drying the wood is less scientific, and the moisture content of the wood varies with each piece. That said, the proof is in the pudding: of all the clarinets I sell, Uebel instruments seem to crack less often then others. 

Danke, Tariffs.

Due to new U.S. tariffs on imports from Germany (because obviously clarinets are a national security threat), the price of these instruments jumped by about $550.

I'm covering half of that increase ourselves—because we’re not entirely heartless—but sadly, the other half lands on you. I wish it were different, but international trade policy didn’t ask my opinion.

Prost.

FAQ:

Q: What if I'm in New York and want to try it in person?
A: Contact me to set up an appointment, and let's do it!

Q: Does the instrument come with a warranty?
A: Yes, it comes with the standard Uebel 5-year warranty against cracks, and 2 years for mechanical issues. If you ever have any problem with the instrument, I'm your quarterback. I'll take care of the whole process, just let me know you need help, and I'll take it from there.

Q: What happens if it's damaged during shipping?
A: Inspect the package before you sign off at delivery! If there are any issues resulting from shipping, we have taken out an insurance policy to cover damage (and loss). But we need you to document this damage or we can't do anything to help. Please read my trial policy for how to handle this issue, should it arise.

Q: If I decide to return it, do have to pay return shipping costs?
A: Not if you live in the Continental US! Because I want you to find the right instrument for you, and doing so online is harder than doing so in-person, I will cover the return shipping. Please  read my trial policy for trial and return rules.

Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Yes. You can add your shipping address when checking out to see what the shipping costs will be before taking the plunge. Note that VAT and Customs Duties are not included in this cost.