 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Dan
Date: 2000-02-14 03:32
Yesterday, I purchased a h. selmer paris clarinet, serial number K9xxx. According to the guide on Sneezy, the 9000 serial number places it in the early 1930's. However, unlike my selmer Balanced Tone, there is no indication as to what the model was. Also unlike my BT, the bell (which is cracked to hell) has triangular logo on it. I am just curious if anyone knows if this clarinet is a balanced tone, a radio improved, or what. I'm pretty sure that it was worth the $75 I payed for it, but I had to bend back some keys and put on some pads. Also, If I didn't have another selmer clarinet from the same period, it would be near impossible to play, as the bell and barrel were both pretty badly cracked. Any information on this mystery would be appreciated.
Dan
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Author: earl thomas
Date: 2000-02-14 15:56
Dear Dan: The K Series Selmer were much prized during the late '30s and early '40s. They were very fine clarinets, indeed. You mentioned you BT. If you check that serial number, you should find it to be without the K, right? Anyway, what you purchased for $75 is a real collector's item and, if expertly repaired, would make a fine instrument. It probably is from the late 1930's...and well worth the $75. Congratulations. ET PS The triangular stamp was added in Elkhart. I think the Broadcast models were a bit earlier than the K-series, but not by many years.
Selmer seemed to really like to merchandise - and still manifests that smart-marketing trait. Just look at how many different "models" they've produced and marketed heavily over the last several decades. ET
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Author: John Dean
Date: 2000-02-18 20:01
$75 seems to be a bargain for a restorable K series -nice dark toned clarinets.They ended production in 1931 according to my data. The triangular logo intersts me in that I have a picture of Benny Goodman playing in 1927 with a Selmer and triangular logo on the bell but none of my own vintage Selmers icluding BTs have this particular logo. However I have seen it on a Centered Tone model from the 50'S! Can anyone shed any light on this logo-Don Berger or John Butler for instance? Incidentally how do you restore these gold logos?
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