“Tradition is the passing on of fire,
not the worship of ashes.”
Jean Jaurès
HISTORY OF THE WORKSHOP
With the aim of realizing innovative concepts in handcrafted clarinet making, Werner Schwenk (master woodwind instrument maker) and Jochen Seggelke (clarinetist and woodwind instrument maker) founded a private cooperation based in Tübingen and Bamberg in 1995, after two years of collaboration.
Due to the constantly increasing demand for their newly designed instruments, it was essential to merge the locations in 1999. The company moved into new premises in the very heart of Bamberg, in a former leather goods factory. In 2009, Jochen Seggelke took over Werner Schwenk’s shares and has since been running the company as a sole proprietorship. Since January 2021, the company has continued to operate as Seggelke Klarinetten GmbH & Co. KG.
Photo credit: Manuel Kresser
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The ideal fusion between excellent craftsmanship and professional musical experience enabled the two company founders to take a fundamentally different approach to instrument making. For SEGGELKE KLARINETTEN, clarinet making entails taking both the historical development, as well as the requirements and possibilities of the present into consideration. Only by doing so we are able to provide both the interested hobby musician, as well as the world-renowned artist the right tools for realizing their musical ambitions. During the manual manufacturing process, the mechanical pieces composing the keywork are made to fit their future instrument body and can therefore be individually designed. In contrast to industrial mass production, the precision fit of the individual mechanical parts guarantees a long service life. In addition, the ergonomics of the mechanics can be adapted to the player.
PRODUCTS
Seggelke clarinets are the only manufacturer in the world to offer both period clarinets from the 18th and 19th century, as well as a comprehensive assortment of modern clarinets. We manufacture clarinets tuned from high A flat to bass, with German and French fingering systems (the so-called Boehm system). We also offer a variety of mixed systems. In collaboration with international research institutes, we studied to increase our knowledge and understanding of (historical) clarinet making and used the said knowledge in creating our own replicas of period instruments as well as innovative instruments. One result of this collaboration is the Clex, a sensory-dynamic contrabass clarinet.
CONSULTATION
We are convinced that reed, mouthpiece and instrument form an inseparable unit. Mouthpieces and reeds made according to SEGGELKE KLARINETTEN help our customers to find the best possible material combinations. We will be happy to welcome you to our workshop and help you find the right instrument and accessories for you. You can find out how to contact and find us here.
Our workshop is more than just a place where we handcraft your clarinet. We communicate, philosophize, make music and hold lecture events – everything that has to do with the clarinet, even in the broadest sense, takes place here.
Photo credit: José-Luis Inglés
