 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Matt
Date: 2000-05-24 15:00
Hi:
I keep seeing Selmer Signet clarinets for sale on e-bay. Can anyone describe this instrument? Is it a quality clarinet? Shortcomings? Tone quality? ...
TIA,
Matt
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-05-24 15:19
If you search the forum, you will find a lot of entries on Selmer Signet. There are/were several different models. Depending on the model, these cover the range from low intermediate grade to high intermediate grade instruments.
Selmer is a well regarded company that produces quality instruments. Basically it comes down to whether you like them or not.
Buying used instruments (regardless of brand or model) requires some ability to assess the condition of the instrument. How much maintenance will it need?
While you can get some excellent buys on eBay, it is a buyer beware situation. Remember that you cannot handle or examine the instruments. They may need complete overhauls regardless of what the seller says unless he/she states that is has been recently overhauled. Many of the sellers know nothing about instruments and think that if they can hoot out an open G that it is in playing condition. They are not trying to deceive anyone but simply don't know what is good or not good.
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Author: Lelia
Date: 2000-05-24 16:49
I agree with Dee on all of the above and would add that it's a good idea to ask *who* overhauled the instrument. Dealers who know nothing about instruments, or who play a little, sometimes buy pads and try to fix up a clarinet themselves, to make it look good for sale. (I've seen some inquiries about repair supplies on this BB from unfamiliar screen names that later turned up on eBay.) Incompetent, amateur repair work is the curse of the flea markets and "junktiques" shops, so I'm sure the same is true of eBay. BTW, I own a wooden Selmer Signet Special from the 1980s that's a good intermediate instrument. I use it for my everyday practice.
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Author: drew
Date: 2000-05-24 19:45
There were several models of Selmer Signets; from lowest to highest grade they were the model 100, Special, and Soloist (this is my understanding, there may be others with more complete information). Selmer manufactired these instruments for a number of years, roughly from the late '60's to the early '90's.
I consider Selmer Signets, as a group, to be solid intermediate instruments, quite repairable, and worthy of use by anyone starting to play up through high school. If the user intends to major in music or become a professional musician, Signets would not be adequate.
The Soloist model was the highest grade Signet produced and can be a very worthwhile instrument. I've occasionally seen them available. If you go that route, include as part of your assumption that any eBay offering will need a full overhaul ($200-$300), unless the seller has had the overhaul dome by a reputable technician (in this case they should be willing to provide the repair invoice).
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Author: Paul Lester
Date: 2000-05-24 20:21
Hi Matt;
Whenever I buy off of EBay I always figure on overhauling the instrument at a minimum. Sometimes the bidding approaches 75%+ of the new discounted price. My personal rule is not to exceed 50% of the new horn discounted price.
I've broken this rule and paid the price for it.
Cheers,
Paul
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Author: Gary Van Cott
Date: 2000-05-24 21:48
I still have a Selmer Signet Special that I got new almost 40 years ago. I would regard it as an adequate intermediate instrument. Reasonably good sound with some intonation challenges (sharp throat tones and upper clarion). My daughter (7th grade) has played it the last few years. I tried a Buffet E-11 once and thought it was somewhat similar.
Personally, I don't think that anyone who is over 15, has played for more than a year, and is at all serious about clarinet should spend any time with this level of instrument. Get a pro instrument and if money is an issue get a used one.
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Author: TwrlGrl
Date: 2000-05-25 00:48
I am an 8th grader and received my Selmer Signet 100 from my aunt (she bought it brand new in the mid 1970s). I have made two All-Regions using this horn (24th in 7th grade & 2nd in 8th grade). I plan to used mine until I get a new horn, then I'll use the Signet for marching season(since I don't have a plastic).
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Author: Matt
Date: 2000-05-26 18:45
Thanks to everyone who responded to this thread. I understand the limitations of purchasing from eBay, but still consider it an option.
Matt
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