 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kathryn777
Date: 2009-11-19 18:59
I own a 1934 B-flat Selmer Paris clarinet which I played on for 8 years throughout school... I have heard it is worth some money, and even that Benny Goodman used the same model at one point in his career... but haven't found anyone who can confirm this. It is in good playing condition and has a great tone, not as bright as some Selmer's I have heard. If anyone knows anything about this year or model, or even if you know how I would go about getting it appraised I would really appreciate any input! And it would be really cool to know I Benny Goodman realllly did use this model ever.
Thanks a bunch,
Kathryn
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-11-19 19:38
Of course it's possible that Goodman played that model in his earlier days but that doesn't mean it's worth any more than any other old clarinet. Clarinets do not improve with age like a fine string instrument does. Since that model Selmer had made vast improvements in their clarinets, not to mention that the bore has probably changed, in all these years. Sorry, but I doubt it's worth much on the open market unless you can prove it was actually his clarinet. Even then it probably wouldn't be worth too much. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: kathryn777
Date: 2009-11-19 20:17
I feel deflated. Well perhaps I will hold onto it because its probably worth more for sentimental value... my great grandfather bought it for my grandfather when he was 12... who then passed it on to me 13 years ago
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2009-11-19 20:45
Ed P says it very well, its worth what someone will pay now, or possibly what similar items have sold for in the past. Reading at H A Selmer's web-site and info in serial # lists might help to identify the model. Does yours have an R I on the U J, or any other info which might inform us re: the model ? I ask because I bot for $150 a 1932 Radio Improved, Full Boehm 20 keys/7 rings so '34 might have been a "change over" year to the "Balanced tone" series. I've recently been trying to establish a figure for a "Balanced Action" tenor sax, quite high! as similars are listed for sale in the "Wichita Band Instrument"'s web-site, or by other internet sellers of "classic-age" woodwinds. I like my R I for its extra keys, other "model" cls are not as brigh-toned, and the '50's C T's play better, showing S's progress in cl design as Ed suggested. Hope this helps. Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: BartHx
Date: 2009-11-20 02:57
I would stay away from mineral oil. Wood is made up of cell walls from the tree. Those cell walls contain lignin and cellulose. While mineral oil is highly refined, it could still contain some traces of organic solvents that, over time, could damage the cell walls. I was told early on (1950s) to use olive oil on my 1930s Kohlert. If, after oiling, the extra oil was wiped off, there was no problem with it going rancid.
I now use the Doctor's bore oil, which is from plant sources and will not damage cell walls. There are several suppliers now of plant based oils, but I would not trust petroleum based oils over the long haul.
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Author: Molloy
Date: 2009-11-20 03:04
Selmer clarinets from the 1930's are highly regarded by many people. They do not sell for thousands of dollars, but they do sell for hundreds.
What is the serial number? Can you post some pictures? With more to go on, I or somebody else here could tell you more.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-11-20 05:54
No...NO....NO!!!!
Do NOT use mineral oil on a good wooden clarinet's bore. Check out the website for the Doctor's Products (under ACCESSORIES) at the right. Use either his "Bore Doctor" or his "GrenadOil."
Jeff
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Author: kathryn777
Date: 2009-11-20 15:33
the serial number is L5785. the front by the emblem/symbol (?) has a *BT* on it as well. I tried looking up the serial number at the Selmer website, bu no luck. I will post pictures shortly, definately! Thank you all so much for your help... and I know now I will NOT be using mineral oil on my clarinet... good to know.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-11-20 17:52
Here's a list of Selmer serial numbers: http://www.clarinetperfection.com/clsnSelmerParis.htm
These older Selmers are great instruments and in my opinion, much better than anything they're making now. My first encounter with Selmer clarinets was a K-series A that I had on loan while at school, then I bought a pair of Centered Tones that I still have, and have since then bought several more full Boehms (1962 A and 1978 Bb Series 9s) and a matching set of Series 9*s from 1967. I had a 10S basset clarinet which had a tiny bore compared to the older Selmers.
The classic Selmers such as the Radio Improved, Balanced Tone, Model 55, Centered Tone, Series 9 and Series 9* have much larger bores (14.8mm-15mm) compared to what is the norm nowadays (which is around 14.6mm), and coupled with the large toneholes, they're very free blowing and the large bore also makes playing in the altissimo register very easy.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: kathryn777
Date: 2011-02-22 22:01
Any tips for playing in tune? I don't know if the larger bore is the cause or if its operator error but i've noticed the tuning is off compared to newer model clarinets.
:)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-02-22 22:32
You'll probably find the lower register very sharp compared to the upper register. Use a 67mm or 68mm barrel as this helps a lot.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-02-23 03:56
Intonation can be a bit more of a challenge on older clarinets in general. I have a Centered-Tone that requires more effort on the part of the player to keep in tune but I personally feel that the trade-off is worth it for the great sound I get out of the instrument.
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Author: Reedirect
Date: 2011-02-23 06:45
Hi Kathryn,
If your BT is in very good condition, no cracks, chips, other blemishes, and the pads are fine, it is probably worth roughly around 500$ (personally derived from my ebay,com and ebay.co.uk observations following nearly all Selmer Paris clarinet auctions over quite a long period).
That is not really much and actually a pity as Selmer Paris vintage saxophones! (even those in poor condition) sell for much much higher prices.
But that's the way it is. It's a free market in which the value of an item is formed according to supply and demand.
You obviosuly have a personal relationship with this instrument. Keep it and enjoy it!
To my knowledge Benny Goodman also appeared with RI and BT instruments in public but he is, as said, very well known for his "Centered Tone" advertisings.
Best
Jo
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-02-23 07:02
All I can say is I won't be parted with or trade my old Selmers for new ones.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2011-02-23 07:31
I love these old Selmers; I rehearse regularly with a guy who has a '50s Centered Tone. I play it every chance I get...the response, tone, and projection are outstanding. They sure don't make 'em like this anymore.
If the Balanced Tone hasn't been played much lately and/or has dried out due to a lack of oiling, the wood may have shifted a bit causing some tuning irregularities. Properly oiling the bore (it may take several applications), then playing the clarinet for a few minutes daily could help ease the wood back into shape, and improve the tuning.
Best Wishes....Ursa
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