 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ghuba
Date: 2006-12-16 09:53
This has been discussed many times on this board.
There are three (or 4) versions.
Version 1 is a recent Selmer Paris model, probably considered by most as a mid-range, intermediate clarinet. 1990s.
Version 2 is a recent Selmer USA model, probably considered by most as an advanced beginner model. 1990s.
Version 3a is a professional Selmer Paris model from the 1950s which may have appeared as early as right after WWII in the late 1940s. Vytas Krass has a beautifully restored example which has been discussed on the Board. Vytas has also posted pictures of this instrument.
Version 3b is a professional Selmer Paris model from the 1950s. It differs from Version 3a in that it has the Leblanc pattent throat Bb key [which looks like a Stubbins key and is often confused with it, but operates using an opposite logic]. This may be the earliest model as there are anecdotes on this board about Version 3b having been shown to a solder stationed in France around 1946 who met with Maurice Selmer at his factory and was told that it has been prototyped right before WWII but not produced when the Selmer factory was taken over by the Germans during the occupation. I believe this to be produced with the same bore at the Selmer CT.
Versions 3a and 3b have elaborate hand carving on the bell and bottom of the lower joint. This carving is quite different from that on Versions 1 and 2, which I believe are machine carved, using a design which differs from that on Versions 3a and 3b.
I own an exemplar of Version 3b, restored by both Walter Grabner and Donald Hinson, which is a very interesting clarinet.
However, in terms of the implementation of the Leblanc patent throat Bb key, three Leblanc clarinets of vintage 1940--1960 restored by Donald Hinson which use the same mechanism seem to play better, especially on the throat Bb, and the mechanical implementation is superior to that of the Selmer Omega. Leblanc used their mechanism on several different top-of-the-line models over a twenty year period.
Versions 1 and 2 appear regularly on the big auction site. There has only been one Version 3 for auction in the past two years. Versions 3a and 3b are now collector instruments while Versions 1 and 2 are quite common.
George
Post Edited (2006-12-16 17:53)
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-12-16 13:42
An excellent commertary, George, my Version 2 is a "beautiful", good playing, a bit "bright-toned" cl, a "medium" bore size, about 14.8 mm with a good "feel", but diff. from my 1954 C T. As to the Leblanc "pinch Bb" mechanisms [US 1,926,489 and ?2,832,250], a good friend has loaned me his [inherited] Leblanc {Special} ser. # 37xx [1940-50's?, please help me date it], where the Bb is V G. It has also the 7th ring for the fork Eb/Bb, but without that small "tuning" pad so its a bit out of tune. Most interesting to me is the "Doubled" F/C pad structure [as on my Selmer bass cl], which [to me] produces V G [easy blowing] G/D's and an in-tune low F. It appears to be the same model as described [owned by Dr. Shackleton. GB] by Debbi Reeves in the recent ICA Journal's "Historically Speaking". All coments welcomed. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2006-12-16 15:33
I own the Paris Omega from the 90's. From what I know, it was only sold at certain retailers (mainly BMMG). It is very similar to the Odyssee. I guess you could compare it to the Buffet R13 Limite that was sold in the same price range at BMMG($2000) The Limite is also only available to certain retailers. BMMG tends to sell instruments no other place does.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2006-12-16 17:07
I've played both the Selmer Omega Paris and the Selmer Omega USA, and the Paris version is much better. The USA version sold mainly to student and step-up players, but as mentioned by Vytas, the Paris model was considered an entry-level pro model. And, the Brook Mays Music Group (BMMG) as mentioned by SVClarinet09, was a big seller of the Paris model. I did not find it to play as well in tune as a Buffet R-13. It tended to be flat in the throat tones (at least the ones I played).
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Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2006-12-16 17:35
Brenda, I too have noticed that the throat tones are a little flat but this can easily be fixed with a shorter barrel, for me a 65 Muncy SB works great. The sound on the Paris model is very big though especially when used with a C85/120 supplied with the instrument. Tuning is slightly off but I think it is because of the Reverse Cone bore(I think that's what it's called) compared to the R13s Poly-cylindrical
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2006-12-16 18:42
Melvin, one thing I really liked about the Paris Omega was the great tone. It did have a full, deep sound and that was good. The tuning issue was another matter for me, however. I was never able to get it to play really well in tune. I tried different barrel lengths and still had one note (can't remember if it was throat B natural or B flat) that I couldn't get in tune. It really stood out. Maybe it was just that particular instrument and it may not have been so bad with other Selmer Omegas.
Post Edited (2006-12-16 18:43)
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Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2006-12-16 19:23
Actually I agree with you on tuning. I did realize though that my M9XX that's in the shop for some voicing on the lower joint tends to be more in tune then my M4XX. The M4XX also has a different bridge design and the tuning is a little more sloppier. On the M9XX the tuning is much more closer. Usually the only note that is out of tune on my M9XX with the standard barrel is throat A and Bb and I can usually adjust and get them in tune. I think the later Omega, M6XX and up are better than the earlier ones M0XX-M5XX.
Post Edited (2006-12-16 19:27)
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