 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Crweinberg
Date: 2010-02-03 19:46
I have a Selmer A clarinet with a 3xxx serial #--"Brevete SGDG" stamped on the top joint--means patent pending, more or less--and made in the 1930s or so. Great sound, wood in good shape--BUT the ring keys on both joints are totally worn, makes playing a chore, and it's become clear that getting spare parts is hopeless. HOWEVER, if anyone out there has or comes across a Selmer A from that era and the ring keys are NOT totally worn or twisted, I'd consider buying it for parts, if the price was right. Since I don't have gobs of money to buy a new horn, I want to take a shot at making this more playable.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-02-03 20:19
Try contacting soe of the customizers manufacturers. I think Morrie Backun can do the kind of work you are describing, where he will actually make a new part to your specifications.
Jeff
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2010-02-04 18:30
I have a very similar Selmer A, #3671 [1929 I believe] it has your markings plus HS "entwined" on all including barrels. When I have a bit of time, I'll discuss further if you wish. Dern good mellow horn. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Crweinberg
Date: 2010-02-05 15:46
Hi Don,
I'm about to take the advice of the previous poster and send the horn to Morrie Backun. He says he has a large supply of Selmer parts, including vintage models, and may well have the parts I need. Is your horn for sale and if so, how much are you asking? Thanks for your reply, Carl
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2010-02-05 18:40
Hi Carl, sorry not for sale, its very serviceable, I loaned it to a friend for some concert playing, and have kids and grandkids who will appreciate this and others as my legacy, hope they don't fight over my small collection !! I agree, Backun will certainly do well for you. Regards, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: bassclar
Date: 2011-09-14 04:05
I have a pair of full-Boehm, plateau, Selmers. There is a picture at http://bitguru.wordpress.com/2008/02/29/plateau-clarinets/ (click on it for a slightly larger pic).
The key of A one is marked H. SELMER A PARIS, with a lyre-over-winged-globe logo above, an entwined HS below, and BREVETE S.G. D.G. below that. The serial number at the bottom of the lower joint is 2598.
The key of Bb one is marked the same except BREVETE appears without the S.G. D.G. The serial number at the bottom of the upper joint is L845.
The horns are in rough shape. They are not in playable condition. The wood appears dry (to my untrained eye) and there may even be cracks. Unlike Carl's, the keys do not appear to be worn, though of course as plateau models they lack ring keys (except for the LH thumbs). Some of the adjustment screws look rusty.
I would like to get these into playing shape. Is Morrie Backun the right man for the job? Or would someone like Jeremy Soule be a better choice? I know some people think it's a chore to work on plateau instruments, and I'd prefer instead to find someone who might be enthusiastic.
I'm working under the assumption that, even though 1920s/1930s full-Boehm plateau-keyed instruments are extremely rare, they aren't to the extent that overhauling them and playing them would lessen their value. If anyone thinks differently then please let me know before I get much further (but then how would I find another plataeu A clarinet?).
Finally, does anyone have any suggestion for case(s) for these? I fear finding a case that will both hold a full-Boehm-to-low-Eb key-of-A clarinet and that I can afford may be impossible.
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Author: JimmyVP
Date: 2023-07-02 22:42
I possess my grandfathers Selmer “Brevete” S.G.D.G., Serial #339 (Manufactured before 1926), stamped “H. Selmer A Paris” in the oval emblem above the top joint. I am told the key of this instrument is based in B-flat. I’m trying to determine if this is correct.
My grandfather, Peter J. Pumiglio, owned this and other instruments. He was a member of the “Raymond Scott Quintette” (quintet misspelled purposely)
RSQ appeared in multiple radio, movie, and TV appearances from the 1930s into the 1950s. Primarily playing clarinet for the quintet and for Raymond Scott’s orchestra, my grandfather also played soprano clarinet (which I also own), flute, and tenor saxophone. He was very proficient in all of these instruments and was self taught.
https://youtu.be/zbR6YZs8hqs
This is a link to “War Dance For A Wooden Indian”, a scene from the 1934 movie, “Happy Landing.” my grandfather is the clarinetist in this scene. If you watch the whole scene, he will see him do some amazing solos.
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Author: JimmyVP
Date: 2023-07-02 22:46
I possess my grandfathers Selmer “Brevete” S.G.D.G., Serial #339 (Manufactured before 1926), stamped “H. Selmer A Paris” in the oval emblem above the top joint. I am told the key of this instrument is based in B-flat. I’m trying to determine if this is correct.
My grandfather, Peter J. Pumiglio, owned this and other instruments. He was a member of the “Raymond Scott Quintette” (quintet misspelled purposely)
RSQ appeared in multiple radio, movie, and TV appearances from the 1930s into the 1950s. Primarily playing soprano clarinet (which I also own) for the Quintette and for Raymond Scott’s orchestra, my grandfather also played bass clarinet, flute, and tenor saxophone. He was very proficient in all of these instruments and was self taught.
https://youtu.be/zbR6YZs8hqs
This is a link to “War Dance For A Wooden Indian”, a scene from the 1934 movie, “Happy Landing.” my grandfather is the clarinetist in this scene. If you watch the whole scene, he will see him do some amazing solos.
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Author: ElizabethMH
Date: 2023-07-09 22:41
Very cool Jimmy. I have a a Raymond Scott Quintette CD in my collection.
Elizabeth
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