 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: billryan
Date: 2004-03-10 20:39
Hey, I have a chance to buy a Selmer Paris from another student (he has too many), and he needs the cash. Here are my choices, a balance tone from the 1930's in nice condition, a ct from the early 1950's also in good condition or a n series from the late 1940's, again good condition. A few other students are "auditioning" them, but he's a friend and I have first dibs. I own a new Selmer Signature and a old R13 and would like a "Jazz" horn to alternate with. What's the basic difference between them? I was told that Benny Goodman had a "bt", did he? Since I plan to go pro (if I ever graduate) some day, which clarinet is my best choice? I enjoy both the Classics and Jazz! Some of you must own one or more of these, I hope!
Bill
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-03-10 21:05
I have 2 C T's, the later one P 9xxx being the better [lesser played] and a Balanced Tone predecessor , an R I, not quite as good IMHO. Have had only a little acquaintance with the B T's, but they sure were the jazz horns of the later 30's to the end of 40's. Try them all out and make your pick, all are good. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: kenabbott
Date: 2004-03-11 00:23
I just got my CT back from Jimmy Yan and he made me promise never to bring him another one to fix (he's tweaked several of my horns). we started chatting about Selmers and he prefers the 9. He also told me, however, that a RI he repaired several years ago had perhaps the best intonation he had ever seen (or heard, I guess).
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Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2004-03-11 01:09
I've yet to overhaul an "N" series that wasn't a good performer...that's not to say there isn't a real "barker" out there. I really think that they are the "Rodney Dangerfields" of the Selmer line (not getting enough respect). However, play them yourself and figure out which one responds the best for you, THEN have your teacher play them and listen to tone and intonation. The BT that I played for years had a great tone, but always played a little sharp and my CT has been delegated to a back up role now. It's still a good player, but I'm enjoying the LeBlanc a lot better.
jbutler
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Author: jo.clarinet
Date: 2004-03-11 05:33
I've recently bought a Centered Tone and am very pleased with it. 
But yes, you should try them all (preferably over several days if the seller allows you to keep them all for a while) and go with the one you like best rather than going by the brand name. Have fun!
Jo
Joanna Brown
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Author: sherrietanner
Date: 2004-03-11 16:14
Hello Bill, I played the CT for many years (on loan to a sweet relative) and I just loved that horn. Since you have the chance to try (I bet you already did) the three and you're still not sure, why don't you let your Prof. take a listen? So, how is Juilliard these days? Enjoying the great city? Good Luck! My Best,
Sherrie
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Author: William
Date: 2004-03-11 18:15
When I entered college, I played on a Selmer CT and found it to be unacceptable. I went to the Selmer factory and selected a Selmer series 9* which I played until I switched to a Buffet R13 my first senior year. Both instruments were far superior to the CT in terms of intonation and sound. As for the Selmer BT, my friend Chuck Hedges played one for many years and never sounded better. They are excellant jazz instruments and I wish I had one--like I need another clarinet (like a hole in the head, my wife says). In any case, sight-unseen, I would pick the Bt over any other older Selmer except maybe the series 9*. In the end, however, it is you that must be satisfied, so pick the clarinet that you like best.
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Author: billryan
Date: 2004-03-12 19:04
So Miss Tanner, taking your advice I auditioned all three for not one, but two Profs! They liked them all! I was told that Benny Goodman played on a BT in the early days, so that made me want the BT! Mr. Butler seems to like the N Series, so that made me want the N! You "loved" the CT, so.. I called my father last night, he's a smart guy (not a musician), but a Doctor. I asked for his advice, since he was going to wire the funds to my pathetic bank account to buy one of these Selmers. He had his father (my Grandfather) who was at the house at the time listen in. I told them about my happy dilemma, what to choose. Since Grandfather is also a Doctor and not very happy that I didn't want to get into the family biz, I thought he would think, why would anyone need more than one clarinet? My father told me he would take it up with my mother (not a Doctor, thank God) and call me back. This morning my mother called to tell me that the two "great minds" decided that I should own all three! My Grandfather is footing the bill, but he wants free tickets if I ever make it to The Kennedy Center! My mom told me that he is proud of me and is delighted on my chosen path. I'm really happy I called home. Oh, Mr. Butler, you never said which LeBlanc you play. Sherrie, the school still rocks! NYC is the best!
Bill
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Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2004-03-12 23:14
LeBlanc "Ambiance" purchased two years ago. LeBlanc marketed the clarinet for only a couple of years. Nice wood, rosewood bell, silver keys, reverse cone bore .575, and best of all at a discount price due to elimination of the line. I played the Opus and Concerto and it, for me, had best tone and (superior) intonation. There may be some still available through a LeBlanc dealer. I haven't met anyone else who owns one and am beginning to believe I have the only one ever made!!!
jbutler
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Author: sherrietanner
Date: 2004-03-13 05:28
Gee Bill, if Juilliard doesn't work out, you can sell used Selmer Clarinets!![[wink]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie3.gif)
Sherrie
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2004-03-14 11:44
jbutler
There is at least one other Ambiance out there! I saw one in a trad jazz combo playing on a village green in Yorkshire, last July. It had one of those corrugated-metal barrels on it (the clarinet, not the village green).
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: Taxijazz
Date: 2004-03-15 09:51
If you are considering an older clarinet be advised that they didn't stamp things out identically like they do today, and one clarinet may be different than another within the same brand.
Artie shaw played a BT and a Conn 444; Benny Goodmans favorite clarinet was a 'Centered Tone', but if you want to replicate an artist you might also take note of their preference for mouthpiece, ligature and reed.
You really have to try the clarinets, but if I had to select one without trying it I'd take the Centered Tone.
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Author: hans
Date: 2004-03-17 14:49
According to Artie Shaw's authorized biography, he played Selmer clarinets (Shaw is shown in a 1938 Selmer ad) for most of his career. He is quoted as saying that his usual instrument was a Selmer 6 ring model with articulated G sharp key.
He tried Conn's 280 N Connstellation (which he play-tested for Conn), was featured in the Conn ad for it in 1953, and didn't like it: " ...when I used it in front of an audience with a band it was disappointing. Of course, they ran the advertisement anyway!". There is no mention of a Conn 444.
Shaw switched to Buffet in the fall of 1953 for the small group because the Buffet "had a more woody, intimate sound".
Hans
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