 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Scoti
Date: 2011-03-04 20:20
Hello everyone,
I'm in the market for alow Eb bass clarinet. I'm trying out a P series Selmer from 1952. It's nice, but I just don't have anything to compare it to. There is also a Z series Selmer available from 1978 on it's way. I was looking for a Series 9 since I have heard so many great things about them. Since there isn't much around town here to try, I was hopng some of you might be able to help me. I know you can find some great horns and some not so great horns in any serial number/model range, but in general, how do the early 50s Selmers compare to the highly regarded mid-60s Series 9 instruments? Also how do those late 7os horns compare as well? I would appreciate any advice/opinions? Thank you!
Scoti
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Author: davetrow
Date: 2011-03-04 23:03
FWIW, I've been struggling with a Selmer 9 for about two years, and don't much like it. To be fair, it's a school instrument, so it has had a hard life, and my tech estimated that it would cost about $1500 or so for a complete overhaul. He's been able to do wonders with it on a piecemeal basis, but my experience has soured me on the model: the basic design of the mechanism doesn't seem very reliable. Perhaps I'd feel different after the overhaul, so take what I say with a grain of salt.
For a bigger grain of salt, know that like you, until recently I didn't have anything to compare to what I was using. Then I started playing with a local community college wind ensemble, which loaned me a Buffet RC-1193 Low-C bass. It's about 20 years old, but after a bit of a touch up--well, let's just say I'm totally spoiled and I'm not going to invest in a BC until I can save up enough for a Buffet.
Dave Trowbridge
Boulder Creek, CA
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-03-05 00:12
I have a very good Buffet bass to Eb from 1967. For me, it has more color than the current model.
The Selmers from that time were excellent -- very easy to play and mechanically reliable.
How much were you thinking of spending?
Ken Shaw
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Author: saxhorn
Date: 2011-03-05 02:00
i have a early 70's series 9
Clark Fobes believes this era for selmer bass clarinets
is very good
If interested e-mail me at al@alasmus.com
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Author: Scoti
Date: 2011-03-07 02:33
Hi Ken,
Thank you for the reply! I tried a 19xxx Buffet that had too much resistance compared to the Selmers I've played. What year would that be? As far as how much I would like to spend, I'll pay what I have to to get a great instrumnet. Since my firt post I played a guys low C Buffet. It's not for sale, but I really liked it. I'm not sure if the added weight and length is worth the extra notes though since I am a jazz player. Any thoughts on low C vs. low Eb? Thanks again!
Scott
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2011-03-07 04:33
19xxx seems to be form the 50s. It may be just the instrument is resistant, or it might have leaks. Both Buffet and Selmer had some resistant instruments over the years, but also great ones. Opposite to Ken I prefer the newer model better than older ones (I've tried them from pretty much every decade). Some some older ones are excellent too.
Low C vs. low Eb depends on what you want. Usually the recommendation is whether you need it or not. You need it for some classical pieces and don't need it for some pieces. But I don't play any of those classical pieces that require the low C and I did buy a low C model.
Some disadvantages: Heavier, possibly bigger/longer case, less convinient standing with it (using a strap or harness).
Advantage: You get extra low notes.
For me the advantage is worth it. I use the extra notes all the time. What I usually play is improvised music, "jazz" (sort of jazz, not mainstream) and new ("classical") music from new composers, which often write for the low notes because they can use them. I definitely feel the disadvantages too and would be happy to get rid of them if I didn't feel the extra low notes were too important to me.
Selmers from 70s to early 80s can be great. I just recently played a 70s one that was really nice. Older and newer Selmers can also be great. Especially with older ones from 50s and 60s make sure to check intonation and evenness of the notes accross the range, they can have some stuffy and annoying notes. Keys for me also feel better on newer ones, some of it objective (better made), some just preferance.
Most important is to get an instrument that you just feel you want.
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Author: Scoti
Date: 2011-03-07 05:30
Hi,
Thank you for the reply! Most of what I do is improvised/jazz and I would certainly make use of the extened range of the low C instrument. I just need to play one a little more to see how it feels compared to the low Eb instruments. I appreciate your input!
Scott
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-03-07 10:31
I reckon the P-series Selmer will be the one worth getting as they are great instruments (providing there's been no damage done to the bodywork).
Have it fully restored and later on if you are in the market for a low C bass, then you should be able to part exchange the Selmer in for one.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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