The Zenit is one of two top-of-the-line clarinets that Uebel makes, along with the Uebel Vision, which was introduced in 2025. A gor-ge-ous, fluid sound that just wraps around you. (I was going to say, "like a nice bourbon" but there are probably some kids reading. Kids, ignore this parenthetical statement.) Butter.
The Mopane version of the Zenit crushed my expectations. I could easily hear this instrument in a concerto setting, but I could also see it equally comfortable in a jazz or klezmer setting (which is why Giora Feidman plays it)—or just about anything else. It's never edgy, and with the four barrels that come with the A clarinet (the Bb has only two), you can really tune your tone to the needs of the moment. I love this instrument.
One notable feature of the Zenit model is its redesigned bore and tone holes, which allow for improved intonation and better response across registers. And now, the Zenit comes with an automatic low F, low E vent that corrects the pitch of these Chalumeau notes while not affecting the Clarion B and C. It's a feat of engineering that is kind of a combination between the Backun Essence and Lumiére, and the Selmer Muse. It's actually awesome, because it's automatic, like the Backun clarinets, and corrects BOTH the Low F and low E, like the Muse. Thank you Uebel!
Resistance: 4/10, Light
The Zenit has a lighter and more free-blowing feel compared to most of the clarinets I carry. It is designed to offer a sense of openness and flexibility in sound production, allowing for easier airflow and a responsive playing experience.
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 details are evident everywhere: the inlay, the metal filigree on the tenon rings...and the CASE. Yes, this, too, comes with the leather case cover by an Italian fashion company that rhymes with "Nada." Inside that leather cover is a cute pochette case. The A clarinet comes in a double case has both the cover, and a larger pochette.
Note, the A clarinet can also be used with the Basset Clarinet extension. Just remove the bottom joint, attach the extension, and you've got a Basset Clarinet! What is a Basset Clarinet? If you don't know, you probably don't need one, but in short, it's an A clarinet that goes down to low C. This is what Mozart originally wrote his Clarinet Concerto for. Pretty cool, huh?
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
- Four barrels (65mm, 66mm), two each of the standard and reverse taper
- 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.
Tariffs: The American Markup
The Germans still make the same beautiful clarinets. America just decided they should cost more—until we start making German clarinets here. In Wisconsin, probably. I’m covering half of the new tariff because I have a conscience, but the rest… that’s the cost of patriotism, apparently.
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.
