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identification of a Bb

Author: Anna Wittert
Date: 2024-01-23 15:28

Hello there, new to this forum.
I'm an amateur player and was just given a (very mouldy) old Selmer Clarinet.
It's hard to play it in it's current condition, and the corks and pads will need replacing but I was wondering if the instrument is worth a big overhaul.
It has Selmer Paris on all parts, and on the top and lower joint has a serial number that I think reads N2283. For some reason the "8" is difficult to read and almost seems a 3 the wrong way.
I think there may be a small crack of 3 or 4 cm long on the lower joint.
Keen to hear thoughts.
Thanks
Anna

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Re: identification of a Bb

Author: Chris P
Date: 2024-01-23 16:44

As it's an N series Selmer which is most likely a Balanced Tone, then it's well worth having fully overhauled. Although in clarinet terms, a 30mm or 40mm long crack is a long crack, so that will have to be addressed.

The crack on the lower joint shouldn't be a problem to fix - if it's a socket crack then that's best fixed with a carbon fibre band around the socket to hold it all tight. While some repairers might opt to do a socket graft by machining an entirely new socket section which also covers the C/G tonehole down to below the RH1 tonehole, they can often crack and fail where they're glued onto the existing joint if the lower end isn't reinforced with a carbon fibre band.

If the crack is at the tenon end, then it's much easier to fix.

Some long surface vessels can look like cracks, so always best to have it investigated.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: identification of a Bb

Author: Anna Wittert
Date: 2024-01-24 14:32

Thanks Chris,

I think it is a socket crack and it's next to an older crack that was repaired.
I brought it to a repairer here today and he was quite positive he could make it playable with a minor repair on the top pad and then let me have a play to see if I like it before deciding on a big overhaul. He said he would repair that socket/ crack with carbon fibre band.
Thanks for our info
cheers
anna

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