 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jb0724
Date: 2014-02-06 02:57
Hi! I just got a hold of an old Selmer Paris clarinet from some sale for cheap. Not sure if it was worth it, but took the risk anyways. It says Henri Selmer Paris on the logo and above it it says "Depose" and below it says France. It seems to be an Albert system clarinet, judging by the bottom keys, which are distinctly different from a typical clarinet (not sure though). Serial number M5930. I myself don't know too much about older clarinets. It needs work, and I was thinking about saving up to get overhauled, if it is indeed worth it. Any info is appreciated. Thanks!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-02-06 14:00
Post some photos of it on here so we can see exactly what you've got.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: jb0724
Date: 2014-02-06 19:04
Well, for some reason, I'm having some trouble uploading pictures... I'll try later. Anyways, the mouthpiece and bell don't seem to be original, as neither of them have brands (and the bell has some considerable wear) There are only two right hand pinky keys. I know that this isn't too much information, but it's all I got now. I'll try to post some pictures.
Post Edited (2014-02-06 14:26)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-02-06 19:35
Maybe the photos are too large - reduce them and they should upload. I think a 2000x1000 sized photo (or thereabouts) will be fine.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: jb0724
Date: 2014-02-07 04:20
Oh man I accidently created a mess by trying to upload the pictures...
Post Edited (2014-02-07 04:25)
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Author: modernicus
Date: 2014-02-07 04:37
That is a treasured "improved" model- shame
about the bell if it's broken...
Post Edited (2014-02-07 04:39)
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Author: jb0724
Date: 2014-02-07 04:53
Yes...unfortunately the bell seems to be in really bad condition... It's the only part that shows cracks. The previous owner must have tried to salvage it with tape, but in vain.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-02-07 05:00
If all the parts or even most of the parts are present, it should be possible to rebuild the bell. It would be interesting and not too difficult to restore it to playing condition.
Tony F.
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Author: modernicus
Date: 2014-02-07 05:01
Some New Orleans Jazz greats played these Selmer Improved Alberts I believe- The 3 pads in a row configuration on the bottom joint is identifying feature. Can be worth some decent $$$, not sure how much.
Post Edited (2014-02-07 05:03)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-02-07 05:12
It's not a full-on 'Improved Albert' system - it's a lower order model keywork-wise as it has the rings on the top joint and side Eb/Bb key, but no articulated C#/G# mechanism (ring for RH finger 1) and various other gadgets.
Be aware Selmer made these in both Low Pitch (LP or 439-440Hz) and also High Pitch (HP or 452Hz) which you'll only be able to ascertain by playing it or comparing the joint and overall length of the assembled clarinet with a Selmer BT of a similar age (or just the main body joints together minus the bell and barrel). It is most likely a Low Pitch model so it can be played alongside any instrument nowadays. If it is HP, then the only instruments of that pitch nowadays are other antique HP instruments or modern Highland pipes.
Take into account if measuring the whole instrument (minus mouthpiece) the barrel may have been shortened - the standard length barrel for Selmers of this era are 67mm. Although it looks like this is a 67mm barrel - only the socket rings have come off and been put on the wrong way round at some point.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2014-02-07 05:22)
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Author: jb0724
Date: 2014-02-07 00:24
Hmm...what would it be if not the Improved Albert model? Also, I would have to check if its high pitch or low pitch then. Would this clarinet be worth overhauling?
Post Edited (2014-02-07 05:29)
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Author: jb0724
Date: 2014-02-07 05:47
Well, I'll think about getting it fixed. This has gotten me somewhat curious and perhaps I'll try to figure out the Albert system. Thank you all for your help, especially Chris, whose information was very helpful.
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Author: modernicus
Date: 2014-02-07 20:31
Ah, Ok, there are a ton of keywork variations on these Selmers, five rings, regular articulated/2 pads in a row, but w/six rings, straight register key, even extended range with 4 pads in a row- not sure what the "improved"model threshold is...
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Author: jb0724
Date: 2014-02-17 22:09
I know this topic is getting old, but I have managed to remove that old tape on the bell. It seems to be the original bell, as it still has the remnants of the Henri Selmer Paris logo on it. The bell itself was in worse condition than I had previously thought. A piece of wood had come off, the ring had detached, and there were a lot of cracks. I wonder if its even possible to repair...
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-02-18 03:19
That's nasty looking - the socket is pretty much destroyed there.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: jb0724
Date: 2014-02-19 14:23
I thought it would be.... I wonder how it could even get that badly mauled...
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