 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Derek
Date: 2013-05-05 22:18
I bought this Clarinet 30 years ago and recently retrieved it from my attic again. It has the name 'STERLING' on it above a lyre logo with an S inside it. The research I have been able to do on the internet suggests it is a Selmer London 'STERLING' model. The lyre logo suggests it is quite old but I can figure out a possible date. Can anyone shed some further light on possilble history and whether it is worth getting overhauled though it is is in pretty good condition as it is. I may have to sell it though to buy a sax for my 17 year old son. All help appreciated.
Derek
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Author: Derek
Date: 2013-05-06 09:28
Thanks Chris for that reply.
Here are some photos to help in the investigation.
regards
Derek
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Author: Derek
Date: 2013-05-06 09:30
Thanks Chris for that reply.
Here are some photos to help in the investigation.
regards
Derek
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-05-06 09:31
I recently rebuilt and sold a Selmer Sterling A clarinet to someone in Liverpool - while it was fairly crudely made, it scrubbed up well and played beautifully to the point of putting some pro models to shame.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Derek
Date: 2013-05-07 11:38
Any further information Chris? If I was lucky enough to sell this Sterling as is, do you think I would cover the cost of a reasonable quality alto sax ?
Derek
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-05-07 11:48
Unfortunately they don't command much as they're old clarinets and most people want new shiny clarinets - around £250-300 tops in full working order.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Derek
Date: 2013-05-07 11:51
Thanks again,
Looks like it is back to the attic for it so and back to the drawing board to fund a sax. Pity.
regards
Derek
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-05-07 12:18
See how much you'd get if you part exchange it - it'll be a shame to pack it away considering they are usually good players. Also check eBay listings for them to see what they fetch.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2013-05-07 14:31
I've just finished restoring a very nice Sterling. It was in a sad state when i bought it, but it came up very well indeed. The intonation and tuning are better than you might expect, better than some much more expensive kit. The sad fact is though, that as good as it is it won't sell for much more than $250-300.
Tony F.
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Author: Derek
Date: 2013-05-07 14:48
Thanks Tony,
Yes it seems like Clarinets don't hold their value much. I got this one 30 years ago from the lead in the Irish Symphony Orchestra. On the other hand I bought a traditional Irish flute (blackwood) for my son last year and in that case age is a bonus and enhances the value if they are well maintained. Here are a few photos of the STERLING - which is in good shape.
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2013-05-08 00:54
Derek wrote:
> Yes it seems like Clarinets don't hold their value much.
Some do, but you are correct that most don't. The high-end models from the well-known makers hold their value quite well or at least as well as most musical instruments do (stringed instruments being an outlier since some of those appreciate in value). It's not uncommon for someone to spend $1000-$1500 for a Selmer Paris clarinet that was made around the same time as your Sterling.
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