Klarinet Archive - Posting 000870.txt from 2001/06

From: Jon Usher <ewijon@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Selmer Series 9?
Date: Thu, 28 Jun 2001 22:58:39 -0400

I've always played on Buffets and have no experience with Selmers so I'll
post this to the list:

My daughter is doing quite well as a high school clarinetist (probably a
rare instance of "studying with Dad" that seems to have worked?!) and is
looking to replace her recently stolen clarinet on her very limited budget.

A colleague of mine ran across someone selling a Selmer Series 9 that is in
wonderful condition in spite of it's age. Seems it was played by his now
deceased uncle who was a pro sax player in the 40's in a dance band. From
what I can tell with the serial number, it dates back to the early 60's?
(must have bought it later in his career). No cracks, BEAUTIFUL wood -
wonderful tight grain, seals fairly well despite what looks like the
original pads. Has three barrels with it. Two Selmer barrels - a 63mm(?!)
that just says "Selmer" and a 65mm that has a stamped "9" under the
logo. The third is a 67mm with no logo at all. The 65 plays quite sharp
and the 67 helps to lower the pitch but has a stuffy sound to it. Even
with the 67 the intonation is still on the high side but a repad would
probably help. The serial number is S0122 and has two asterix above the
number as below:

* *
S0122

Seriously, judging by the excellent condition of the instrument and it's
case, I don't think it has many hours of playing on it - it's been stored
well for years. It plays with a very nice sound for the few minutes I had
with it (except for the tone of the 67mm barrel that I suspect had the
wrong bore for the instrument).

So what is this horn worth? Also, by current instrument intonation
production standards is this instrument workable for a fairly serious High
School/College clarinetist?

Thanks,

Jon Usher

Clarinet Instructor
Cal State San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA

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