 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ramona11
Date: 2018-10-21 20:19
I was wondering if this is a good place to ask about a clarinet my dad just gave me. He was a professional quality player in his day and I have many memories of him teaching me to play. It is an honor for him to have given HIS clarinet to me and I would like to learn more about it - and hopefully relearn how to play!
If this is not the right forum to ask questions like this, please forgive me and I will try somewhere else. The clarinet does need quite a bit of maintenance done on it and if I cannot find the information I am not sure I can get that done.
The problem I am having is finding the serial number. He says he bought it in 1952. It is a Selmer Centered Tone that was made in Paris and the serial number is P2888. I cannot find that serial number online at all.
Can anyone help me?
Thanks
Ramona
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2018-10-22 01:24
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I'm a huge fan of Selmer Centered Tones - have been since I was 15 years old and still play them to this day.
At the time, Selmer Paris only made pro level clarinets and this was the last if the largest bore clarinets as well as the last time they only offered the one model clarinet in their lineup as the Series 9 that succeeded it was available as two different models with narrower bores. The CT is contemporary with the MkVI saxes and held in the same high esteem and never replicated (the Reference 54 alto and tenor aren't MkVIs).
Insurance/replacement value would be between that of the Selmer Presence and Privilege clarinets. With that, you should only have it repaired or fully restored by the best repairer you know of - do not cut corners or use any repairer that cuts corners as these clarinets were made with pride and I bet you will find the keywork mounter's mark somewhere on the joints as they took that much pride in their work to sign it as any artist would with their works.
Normally they have unplated nickel silver keywork, but some models have silver plated keys and their top model (the CT Omega) may even have solid silver keys (and has extensive engraving on the bell and lower joint). Selmer offered several keywork options on the CT from the standard N.1 (17 keys, 6 rings) to full Boehm (20 keys 7 rings) and even full Mazzeo system models.
I've had a number of Selmer CTs over time and never encountered a single dud among them - even ones that were cracked were still excellent once repaired with no change or loss of character. My clarinet teacher back in college played Buffet RCs and he said to me 'I envy how easily you get your top notes' - which considering his calibre as a fine clarinettist who knows the instrument and the repertoire inside-out was very humbling to be told.
There's nothing resembling them being built at all now as narrow bore clarinets are the dominant force, but CTs are still sought after by players wanting that low resistance and easy altissimo register - they will hold their own in a dance band as part of a sax section as well as in an orchestral or chamber setting, so they're not a jazz specific clarinet even though many jazz players champion them because of their qualities.
Please do the right thing to honour both your dad and also the legacy of this clarinet to have it expertly repaired as they both deserve that. This clarinet will give anyone a lifetime's worth of playing and will last for generations.
The one I currently play as my main clarinet was made in 1958 (see attachment), so this is its 60th year and it still shows no signs of giving up, even though it was a complete mess when I bought it.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: ramona11
Date: 2018-10-22 01:32
Thanks! I am not seeing the serial number of P2888 on this list? Do they not list all of them? Maybe just model numbers or something? Thanks so much for the reference page!
Ramona
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Author: ramona11
Date: 2018-10-22 01:37
Oh, thank you so much! I really appreciate all of this information. I remember when I was a child and my dad played his clarinet. And then he played his Benny Goodman records - I seriously could not tell the difference between the two! He did not ever end up able to pursue his music, though, as he had to provide for his growing family.
I appreciate the advice on having repairs done. I will be very careful IF I decide to do that. I may just keep it the way it is, after reading what you wrote.
I am still confused on the serial numbers... I think I probably don't understand the system. His is a P2888 and I don't see that on any lists. Would that be a sub category under one of the others that are listed?
1/1/52 P Series P1200
1/1/53 P Series P4200
1/1/54 P Series P7400
I am a photographer and took a few pics of it today, but not one of the entire clarinet yet. Maybe something can be seen in this photo, though?
Thanks again!!
Ramona
I can't seem to get the photo to upload... Suggestions?
Post Edited (2018-10-22 01:41)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2018-10-22 02:06
"I am still confused on the serial numbers... I think I probably don't understand the system. His is a P2888 and I don't see that on any lists. Would that be a sub category under one of the others that are listed?"
1/1/52 P Series P1200
- including P2888 as that number fits between P1200 and ...
1/1/53 P Series P4200
1/1/54 P Series P7400
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2018-10-22 02:07
Serial numbers are unique for every clarinet (like VINs for cars). Generally every clarinet is given a serial number one number higher than the previous (123, 124, 125, etc..). This is true not just for clarinets but most other manufactured goods.
What you are probably thinking of is a model number (like Selmer model 33)
Think of it this way:
Brand: Selmer
Model: Centered Tone
Serial number: P2888
Because P2888 is after P1200 and before P4200, your instrument was made in 1952.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: ramona11
Date: 2018-10-22 02:21
Ahhhh, thank you very much, Chris and jdbassplayer! This information is exactly what I was looking for! I get it now! And that information even fits with what my Dad told me, LOL! He remembered paying $305 for it - and that was a LOT of money for him back then.
Thank you for helping me understand the serial number system. And thank you, Chris, for sharing the extensive background information regarding the quality of this clarinet. I will treasure it all the more, with this knowledge.
Ramona
Post Edited (2018-10-22 02:25)
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