Rudy Mück Information Site

Why a Rudy Mück Site?

Well, there is very little information about Rudy Mück in one place anywhere that we've ever found.  You may find bits and pieces here and there or talk to someone who heard this or that.  But, we have yet to meet someone who has all the information about Rudy Mück.

Why is this?  Like many instrument builders, resellers and importers from the early part of the 1900s and even into the 40s and 50s, when the large conglomerates started buying out these companies, very little information about the history of the former company was retained.  And, in the case of Rudy Mück, his company was purportedly bought out by Carl Fischer, another instrument builder and reseller no longer in business.

Other companies such as Martin, Bach, and Blessing were bought out but the successor companies still exist.

Another reason is that Rudy seemed to "copy" ( or, borrow the design of ) other manufacturer's instruments so that they weren't necessarily original.  The same could be said about other early companies who copied the French Besson design but Rudy copied Bach, Olds, Besson, Blessing, etc.  Or, as many have said, other companies made parts for Rudy and these were assembled in his plant so similarities would be common.

We have not been able to locate any relatives or descendents of Rudy Mück to date.  As well, our search for those who worked with him has remained fruitless so those types of information resources do not seem to exist.  Do you know a relative, descendent, acquaintance or co-worker who might be able to shed some light on the many questions we have?

The Serial Number Mysteries

Have you ever seen a Rudy Mück serial number listing anywhere?  We haven't and part of the reason, once again, is that the models Rudy produces may look like one copied horn and the next one of that model may look like another.  Serial numbers seemingly don't mean much except to those handful of people who have seen enough of these instruments to know what they're looking for.  As well, since many manufacturers made parts including pre-stamped valve blocks, a large serial number may not indicate an older instrument.  At this point, who knows?

So, we want to know more about Rudy Mück and his instruments, mouthpieces and company and ask for your help in accumulating what we can so that all may benefit from this knowledge.