 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: metrocarea
Date: 2006-03-16 11:05
Hello Again. I've just picked up a reeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllly old Selmer Clarinet marked 'Centerd tone' in cursive writing on the barrel. Above the Selmer insignia 'DEPOSE' is written in capital letters. It has some very strange keys on it. Anyone have any information on this strange instrument?
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-03-16 12:33
You can read much info re: "Centered Tone" from our archives, so just make a SEARCH [click above]. The CT's were made mainly in the 1950's and many of them are great horns, if in good condition, well cared for. Your ref to keys may indicate yours could have some or all of the 4 "extras", making yours more easily playable/valuable. Figure it out and ask again, many of us have a CT or so, and will help. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-03-16 12:38
It's a classic - along the lines of the Selmer MkVI saxes.
I bought a pair of them when I was 15, and they had all the extra gadgets I could have wished for, so I made use of them all. And I've been spoilt by them.
It's worthwhile having fully overhauled if it's not in good condition, but if it's playing well I think you will benefit from playing it (and it will be beneficial and worthwhile to have at least some work done on it), as well as owning one as I think these were probably still one of the best Selmer models they made.
They have a large bore (around 15mm) as well as large toneholes, so they are very free blowing and the altissimo register speaks with ease.
How many extra keys has your one got? They made these in various different configurations from the standard system N.1 (17/6) up to the full Boehm system N.8 (20/7) and everything in between. My pair were both system N.6 which had 19 keys and 7 rings - everything except for the low Eb.
The keywork is usually unplated nickel silver which dulls down to a matt finish, but I think these are best cleaned up, but not polished up to a bright shine.
Treasure it as it will probably be one of the best clarinets you could ever have.
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Author: metrocarea
Date: 2006-03-16 22:41
Thanks for that guys. Exactly where do I search? and in whose archives?
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Author: Fred
Date: 2006-03-16 22:53
Go up to the top of the page. 'Search' is in small black letters.
Post Edited (2006-03-16 22:54)
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Author: ghuba
Date: 2006-03-18 11:01
For completeness, the other key configuration for a Selmer clarinet marked Centered Tone is the Omega one with an extra Bb vent. The Centered Tone/Omega has a hand carved design on the bell and is also marked Omega (in addition to Centered Tone). This is the rarest of the Centered Tone configurations. It has been discussed many times and several pictures are available on this Board. Apparently it was the most expensive "Centered Tone" model at the time it was made in the 1950s.
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Author: Duane
Date: 2006-03-18 22:46
I have one just like yours. It also says 'Depose' . This is the very same model that Benny Goodman played. It is a very fine instrument and worth keeping/playing. I play a lot of jazz, swing and ballads and love the tone of this clarinet. I use a Ralph Morgan barrel and mouthpiece and an Eddie Daniels ligature.
Duane
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