Klarinet Archive - Posting 001487.txt from 1998/04

From: Dick Damon <ddamon@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [klarinet] Selmer Clarinet Question
Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 06:10:22 -0400

Bill Hausmann wrote:

> >2. How rare is it to have a Selmer Paris clarinet from 1931 (Serial
> >L1xxx) that is in near perfect playing condition?
> >
> I don't know, but it is definitely cool! I would assume that instruments
> of that vintage would be large-bore models, relative to today's.

I have a matched set of Bb and A Selmer clarinets that are stamped
"*BT*" (Balanced Tone?). The Bb is serial number L7557; the A is L7337
and I purchased them new in 1938. They were played by me until 1940 and
by my son for a couple of years while he was in high school. Just last
year I repadded and recorked them and they play just as they did 57
years ago. I believe Selmer lists them as being made in 1937. It may be
of interest by some that I vividly remember the cost; $156.00 a piece.
I just measured the bore of the Bb upper section. It is 0.598" at the
top and necks down to 0.575" at the bottom. How does that compare with
today's models?

Dick Damon
Port Townsend, WA

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