 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-05-10 13:18
Hello
Does anyone when Selmer started making the Signet models and more importantly when they stopped making them? Also, am I right that all Signet models are made by Selmer USA? Are they made in USA?
I read there are the 100, special, and soloist models of Selmer Signet. Are these the only Signet models ever made? All Signet clarinets ever made are wood and not plastic, right? I'm asking specifically because I was asked about a Selmer Signet clarinet with 21 keys, do they exist (it's possibly but unlikely a mistake)?
Is there a place I can search for year of manufacture by serial number for a Signet?
Thanks & best wishes!
Nitai
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2007-05-10 14:30
If you do a search on ths board using the word Signet, you will find many posts on signets, signet special, signet 100, signet resonites, signet soloists, etc.
I've been watching them for years.
The info is sketchy but here my best shots at answers to your question.
All made by Selmer USA Elkhart Indiana until 1990s (not sure about most recent ones. I think they are using the name Signet again, or possibly still)
Not absolutely sure about start date but I believe 1940s. Production ramped up after WWII 1946 - 1947 or so)
Signet Soloists are the "best" ones. Select wood, better plating.
Signet Specials are considered by many to be better than the 100s.
There are some Signet resonite clarinets. (Not Specials, Soloists, or 100s)
http://www.saxmaniax.com/snclarinet.htm
is a link with quite a bit of info.
Never heard of a 21 key one.
They also made a few Mazzeo models.
Post Edited (2007-05-10 14:37)
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Author: Michelle
Date: 2007-05-10 14:38
I have a Signet Soloist that I acquired used in about 1990-91. I believe it was made around 1986, and the serial number is around 31300. I have nothing to back that up, just faded memories of what I was told when we bought it.
Not specific, I know, but I hope that helps even a little bit on dating Soloists.
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2007-05-10 16:05
Selmer signet soloist elkhart versions versus the selmer signet soloist U.S.A. clarinets differ in the age of the wood. the older elkhart versions in my opinion have a little more warmth in their sound.
I'd love to date a soloist. =)
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: susieray
Date: 2007-06-18 21:49
I've got a really old Signet (1940s?) that's obviously a better made instrument than the newer ones; the keywork looks more like what you'd see on the Paris Selmers. It has it's own Chesterfield case (smaller than what the Selmer CT's came in), has silver plated keys, blue needle springs, and it has pin-and-socket connections on the left hand E/B and F#/C# levers rather than overlapping like the newer Signets. The logo is just a simple oval with "Selmer Signet" inside. It has a very low serial number: 9830, and this number is also stamped on the underside of the left hand F#/C# touchpiece. I recall reading somewhere that the older Signets had keywork that was made in France, I didn't believe it at first but after seeing this instrument I can see that it might actually be a possibility. Does anyone know if this is true? Just curious.
Sue
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Author: Reddog
Date: 2007-07-15 16:20
Regarding the Signet Soloist model - above there's mention of the "Selmer Signet Soloist Elkhart" version versus the Selmer Signet Soloist USA model. Does anyone have more info on the differences in these. The Logo on the bell on the one I own has "Signet" in a circle; under that is says "Soloist" and "made by Selmer Elkhart Indiana". Serial # is 169XX. Trying to understand what the difference is between this model and the one where the Logo on the bell has the word "Soloist" on top; then Signet in a circle under it; then Selmer USA under that. Are they comparable in quality? Any help on this will be appreciated.
Thanks - Bill
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Author: clonestar
Date: 2012-08-10 14:27
Bill: I too have a Signet Soloist, Elkhart, SN: 161xx, which I gather was produced within the same period as yours. Now and then, I've wondered about the "USA" :vs: "Elkhart, In." designation, but I've seen nothing in the way of historical information about the differences or the dates of the different manufactures.
Don
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