 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: b.roke
Date: 2007-12-26 21:20
i have just read the thread on big bore leblancs and selmers and it has raised some questions for me.
i am curious about the differences between the model 55 and the N series. the 55's are late M series and seem to have been produced for a very short time at the end of WW2. this leads me to speculate that it may have been a pre-war design used to fill in until a NEW model could be produced. this was common in other manufacturing at the time.
if so, the 55 could be more closely related, or even the same as a BT. does anyone have any information on what changes were made at this time? thanks.
.
steadfastness stands higher than any success
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-12-26 21:22
And just how different (apart from the speaker bush) were these from the early CTs (N and early P series)?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2007-12-26 21:22)
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Author: Bill
Date: 2007-12-26 22:21
My understanding is that Model 55's were the same basic design as BTs. I use the label "N series" to designate the new speaker key bushing (and other design changes) even though I own an M series that has it. I do not believe any early CTs have the large "N series" speaker key bushing (though they fell within the N serial number range), but rather the hexagonal one (along with other design changes of which I am ignorant).
Bill.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
Post Edited (2007-12-26 22:21)
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Author: BartHx
Date: 2011-08-29 21:04
The Selmer 55 was made only in 1945 in celebration of fifty-five years of Selmer making clarinets. The M series was continued beyond that, but was not designated as a 55. According to the serial number charts, there were no more than two thousand made. The one I just finished working on has sterling keywork and a large, round speaker tube bushing with a sort of cup arrangement on the inside surrounding the speaker tube itself. It is in no way like the hex nut arrangement found on the CT and several later models. Except for the sterling keywork and a "SC" embossed on the underside of the thumb rest, it may be similar in design to the BT or earlier models. However, it is clearly marked 55 on the upper joint where the model identification is normally located. In addition, the bridge key does not have the wings you find on the lower half of a more modern Selmer bridge key.
Mine is M6435 and is one of the most responsive and sweetest sounding instruments I have ever come across. The sterling on the ring keys is clearly worn down from heavy use (it also shows many signs of much loving care). Other than that, it is in pristine condition. I plan to eventually find a manufacturing jeweler to remedy the wear on the ring keys.
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Author: BartHx
Date: 2011-08-30 15:48
I have recently come across information indicating that the 55 was based on the model 17. Can anyone confirm or deny that? The problem of being sure seems to be sketchy records and production during WWII.
Of interest to owners of older Selmers. . . . I contacted Brannens about working on older Selmers. Linda advised that, since Selmer sold to Steinway (Conn-Selmer) the people who know older Selmers (and most older parts) are no longer around and they (Brannens) are no longer able to get parts for them. I'm sure a really good tech could, with time, solve most problems but, if you need replacement parts that you can't make yourself, you will need a donor instrument.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2019-12-06 07:26
Instruments have surfaced with low N-series serial numbers that are marked "55." M8448, which I own, is not marked "55."
Odd.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2019-12-08 20:22
Bill wrote:
I do not believe any early CTs have the large "N series" speaker key bushing (though they fell within the N serial number range), but rather the hexagonal one.
All of the early "N series" CTs do have the large "N series" speaker key bushing. Bellow is the list from my actual overhaul records.
N641X - CT, N717X - NO name, N758x - CT, N780X - NO name, N807X - CT, N873X - CT, N903X - CT, N935X - CT, N984X - CT.
Vytas Krass
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Professional clarinet technician
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: Bill
Date: 2019-12-09 19:11
Hi Vytas! I wrote that in 2007. What do I know?! Thanks for the good information. I just got a Model 55 Selmer, and I looked around a lot at other 55's that were available. I found one "55" in the N series (I didn't get that one). I have ceased making generalities :-)
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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