 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Miguel
Date: 2008-02-03 13:27
Hello all. Please help me with this dilemma: I have recently come across a guy selling a low Eb Selmer Paris bass clarinet. He wants $1900 for it. It has serial number of V 7XXX which puts it in the 1968-1969 range. I have not yet gotten a chance to play it, but I looked at it, and it looks really good. The action feels springy and he said it was recently overhauled, which, judging from the condition of the horn, seems likely. It has a two-piece neck. I will try before I buy to see if it plays as good as it looks. I am not in a rush to own a bass clarinet, as I am currently borrowing a great Series 9 from my school, and money is tight. My question is mainly one of value...assuming that this horn is in excellent condition, is the $1900 price tag a steal, a good price, a or just a fair price? A Selmer Paris bass is my dream horn, and I am wondering if this is such a good price on the horn that I would be wise to jump on the deal now, or if I could find something similar down the road?
As a little bit of background, I am primarily a jazz saxophonist, tenor and baritone are my two main horns. Bass clarinet is by far my favorite double and the one I get asked to play most often. If I purchased this horn, it would be for big band and small group jazz playing primarily.
Also, any guesses as to the model number? Unlike the Series 9, which is clearly engraved as such at the top of the instrument, the only thing engraved on this horn is the Selmer Paris logo. I'm wondering if the model 33 or other instruments of that vintage are similarly marked. Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Miguel.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-02-03 15:45
Hi Miguel, I own a low C Selmer that I purchased in the mid 60s so the one your talking about is about the same vintage. It too, has no making on it, for some reason Selmer never put the model number on it. I love my horn very much and never found one that I like as much, which is why I haven't replaced it. Of course I've had lots of work done on it over the years in tuning and voicing. In any case, I think it is a very good price IF IT'S REASONABLY IN TUNE. I would suggest you try it with a tuner, if it feels good, sounds good and you can play in well enough in tune for your needs then I suggest you buy it. By the way, I'm the bass clarinetist in the Baltimore Symphony. ESP
Peabody.jhu.edu/457
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2008-02-03 19:54
I'd luv to hear how you found the intonation to be. As Ed and Paul indicate, that is the next check before you purchase.
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2008-02-03 20:19
Hi M - I have a Selmer V series U J, a W Series L J [replaced] Low Eb, which to me is by far the best I've ever played, with some, but not a lot of experience. Having a bit of tech repair, he told me it was Model 31-2-3, so I refer to it as their well known Model 33. Mine has the artic. C#/G#. the LH Ab/Eb and of course the low Eb, as near a Full Boehm as possible on B C. Its "Double Register Keying" [key on the neck] is very good, the two Bb's are very close, and the lower clarion is easy to access and of good quality. You may want to consider these factors relating to price and playability. I put my horn's value at about $2000, perhaps more if trading "down" to a new Low C !! Much luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Miguel
Date: 2008-02-06 10:32
Thank you all for your help. Fortunately, through this process of research I have learned much more about different types of bass clarinets. Unfortunately, the one I buy will not be the discussed, as it did not play anywhere near as good as the school's horn. I don't know if it was a question of adjustment or whatever but the clarion register did not speak nearly as well as the Series 9. Oh well, back to work. Thanks for your help.
Miguel
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