 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: drew
Date: 2000-05-17 16:51
I just found a very nice Selmer Paris Bb clarinet in my uncle's attic, he was nice enough to give it to me but could not provide any information about it.
The instrument is of the N42xx series of serial numbers. It has the typical "Henri Selmer Paris" inscription with wreath on all pieces, and the bell has the inscription "Sole Agents USA CAN Selmer New-York Elkhart." The instrument is not labeled "Centered Tone" like many instruments of this era.
How is this instrument different from it's "Centered Tone" brothers and sisters? Is the bore configuration different, or is this instrument just marked (and marketed) differently? Did Selmer Paris have different models at that time (1948)?
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Author: J. Butler
Date: 2000-05-17 18:11
Drew,
This is a very fine instrument. The "N" series has a different register vent than other Selmer clarinets. It has a larger than normal round look to it. I have a N series Bb with the articulated G# and fork Eb/Bb that I use on a daily basis. I'm not sure about the difference in bore size with the Centered Tone. I do have a Centered Tone and a BT in both A and Bb (The Bb BT actually belongs to my wife.) They are all great sounding instruments and play in tune very well. I'm selling my R13 because I never play it anymore. I always play the "N" or Centered Tone. BTW I use the HS* vintage mouthpiece that came with the N when I bought it used and it plays with a great sound.
John
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Author: larry
Date: 2000-05-17 19:25
I've got a "K" series Paris Selmer A with a lovely sound and playability (it reaches the altissimo notes effortlessly and has great bottom tones as well).
Does anyone know anything about this series? It has the same markings as drew's instruments. It also has a four digit number with no letter under the key work on the upper and lower joints, in addition to the serial numbers in the usual places.
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Author: J. Butler
Date: 2000-05-17 21:06
The "K" series came right after the "Brevete" model of the twenties. It was Selmer's first attempt at a larger bore clarinet. They are very good instruments. Unfrased tone holes. Contact Ralph Morgan for more information on these instruments. His address is listed in the "how old is my..." in the equipment section of sneezy. Selmer had not made a marketing ploy here in the US as of yet so therefore the instrument wasn't named as was the "L" series with the BT or Balanced Tone moniker. There was also the "RI" or "Radio Improved" model. I don't think there is much difference between these two instruments. Selmer the came out with the "Centered Tone" in the 50's, however none of the instruments made for the Europe market carried these names. Still a good instrument. Recently overhauled one for a pro player in California.
J. Butler
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Author: Chris
Date: 2000-05-18 02:40
Ok... what about the "brevete" clarinets? I have an old A that is this model. Does anyone know about this?
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Author: J. Butler
Date: 2000-05-19 01:43
The Selmer company however stamped the Brevete on the logo on the top joint and everyone now refers to them as the "Brevete" model for lack of knowledge. Also the logo is an oval with "H.A. Selmer a Paris". There is a lyre above this logo and below the "Brevete" and the letters "S.G.D.G" below this. These instruments date from the 20's. I have restored two of them in the past...one for a customer and one for resale. They are very good instruments. The older wood Bundy Paris clarinets from the early 30's are very similar to this model and play very well. They are Selmer stencils. Everytime I see one on eBay going for little or no money I buy it (Bundy Paris) They are a Selmer clarinet in every respect.
J. Butler
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Author: earl thomas
Date: 2000-05-23 03:16
Hi: I was on furlough in Paris in the winter of 1945, and purchased a set of Selmer "N" series clarinets from Maurice Selmer. At that time, he apologized for the lack of selection in the shop, due, of course, to the Nazi occupation, but he had me try about ten instruments and I chose two with the articulated G#, not because I wanted that extra bit of fluff, but because they were the best he had at the time. They only cost $75 each then! I played them for ten years and then he had a set of Omega Selmers made for me in the "K" series bore, and they were great instruments in every respect. I played those for sixteen years before finally getting a 1934 Buffet B-flat and a 1915 Buffet A.
Not that they were better, but they felt a bit more responsive to me in the early 70's when I made that switch.
Selmer K series were probably the best. I liked the N series very much, and the Omega series of the early 1950's were very well crafted and quite remarkable in tone quality.
Enjoy your "N" series....it would be difficult to do better.
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