 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: KHandcock
Date: 2012-03-23 19:53
Hi everyone,
I am trying to find out an approximate value for my Selmer Paris E-flat clarinet. It is a grenadilla model with silver plated keys that I have dated (by serial number) to the mid-1960s. At the time it was made, it would have been a professional model, but given the manufacturing improvements since then, it would probably be comparable to an upper-level intermediate instrument now. I haven't been able to get a valuation from my local music store, which can't provide values for vintage instruments, and I haven't been able to find anything comparable through eBay searches. Does anyone have any recommendations for other ways I can determine the value of this instrument?
Thanks in advance,
Katherine Handcock
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Author: MrJozzerBeast
Date: 2012-03-23 20:33
I would say it will be above the $1000/£1200 mark. Send the pictures to clarinetdirect.com and there is an email address to send the photos to. They will probably give you a price.
Hope this helps,
Jack
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-03-23 21:05
If it was a pro model back then (and Selmer only made pro level clarinets back then), it's still considered a pro model now and you should insure it for the same value as a new Selmer Eb clarinet.
If anything, the quality of workmanship on instruments since the '60s has declined and you'll find this instrument has had far more attention to detail spent on it than a brand new one.
While manufacturing techniques may have improved in some areas, that has been done for financial gain and the personal touch has been lost.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: KHandcock
Date: 2012-03-23 21:24
Hello to you both,
Thank both for your information. @Jack, thanks for the link for clarinetsdirect.com...I'll definitely check it out. @Chris, I agree that this is a lovely instrument; I guess I was just thinking in terms of the improved intonation and mechanics on modern instruments. Mine has a number of intonation eccentricities and I'm sure we all know E-flats don't need any more of THAT than absolutely necessary! ;-)
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-03-23 22:41
Katherine -
Many players think that Selmer Ebs from the 1960s are better than those made today. It's definitely not an upper-level intermediate instrument. They are much in demand, and I would not be surprised if yours brought $1000, assuming it's in good condition and the intonation is good.
Is it a "Centered Tone" or a "Series 9" or "Series 9*"?
If you want to sell it, you might put it on the Classified listings here http://test.woodwind.org/Classifieds/ so you can avoid the hefty charges made by ClarinetsDirect and eBay.
Ken Shaw
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Author: KHandcock
Date: 2012-03-23 23:24
@Ken...There is no indication on the instrument of a model series (only the Selmer Paris imprint). Out of curiosity, I just went back to the webpage I used to search the serial number originally (which was several years ago) to see if it had model information, but that page is now gone; the other sites I just found with serial number/date information returned a date in the mid-50s instead. Interesting...perhaps the information I found before wasn't accurate, although that 1960s date I found before did match what I was told when I purchased it in the late '90s.
In any case, the serial number is N99**...do you know if there is a way I can confirm model and date using that information? I want to make sure my information is accurate. I thought I'd try Selmer Paris' website, but their page only seems to list saxophone serial numbers.
Oh, the joys of owning a vintage instrument! ;-) Thanks again!
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2012-03-24 00:34
KHandcock wrote:
> In any case, the serial number is N99**...do you know if there
> is a way I can confirm model and date using that information?
> I want to make sure my information is accurate. I thought I'd
> try Selmer Paris' website, but their page only seems to list
> saxophone serial numbers.
The N-series came just before the Centered Tone models were released (some of the early CT's were actually N-series). Your clarinet was likely made in 1951. It's definitely a sought-after model.
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Author: KHandcock
Date: 2012-03-24 10:33
@Ken...thank you for the tip about checking the bushing. I'm out of town right now but I'll check it when I get back on Monday so I know for sure. I'm glad to know it's still a desirable instrument...I have a lot of fondness for that little instrument!
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Author: KHandcock
Date: 2012-03-28 15:02
Hi everyone,
Sorry to be late getting back! Here's what I've found looking at the instrument:
@ Ken Shaw...the bushing is definitely dome-shaped, so I guess it's a Balanced Tone
@ Jack Kissinger...the word "Depose" is above the Selmer logo on the body of the instrument, but not the barrel or bell
Thank you all for your information; I now know a lot more about this instrument than I did when I posted this, aside from getting an idea of its value!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-03-28 16:03
As I said, its insurance value should be that of a new instrument.
Resale value can be anything.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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