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Re: Old Selmer CT

Author: Chris P
Date: 2018-10-22 01:24
Attachment: r4430.jpg (330k)
Attachment: nseriesselmerct.jpg (240k)
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Attachment: selmerctlogos.jpg (65k)

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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