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 Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Brenda Siewert 
Date:   2001-04-18 16:10

Although I own Leblancs and formerly owned Buffets, recently I had the opportunity to try several new Selmer clarinets and was surprised by their nice tone, etc. I had written Selmers off years ago because they just make anything nearly as good as what I had been playing (at that time it was a Buffet R-13). However, I purchased a new Selmer Omega to resell to a student a few months ago and was absolutely shocked at its nice tone and great response. That inspired me to try the Signature, a Prologue II and a Series 10S. I liked all of them except the Signature (I found it "stuffy" compared to my Opus). Yes, I know many people like the Signature--I just didn't find it as much of a "step up" as it was advertised.

What do you think? What are your favorite Selmers? Give me pros and cons.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: jbutler 
Date:   2001-04-18 16:48

Brenda,
Being more of a jazz performer rather than "ligit", I have always preferred the Selmer. I had an R-13 I kept around for over 30 years to use for classical use, but didn't use it very often so I overhauled it and sold it about a year ago. I play on a Selmer Balanced Tone (1934) and a Centered Tone (1953). The Balanced Tone plays with more finesse than the Centered Tone. The Centered Tone is a little more stable as far as intonation goes. I haven't played the new Selmers in over a year so I can't respond to the Signature question. I remember when I played it I wasn't enthralled.

John

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: bob gardner 
Date:   2001-04-18 16:50

Good Morning Brenda:
I have a Selmer 10 which is 40+ years old and it is a great horn. I have had it over a year and it is a joy to play. As a matter of fact it is my today horn.
One of the other things I love about this horn is the case. It has an over size case which alows me to carry everything in it when I go to class.
You have a good day--you hear.
Me

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Brenda Siewert 
Date:   2001-04-18 17:57

I've heard great things about the Balanced Tone, as mentioned by John. I wonder if there is an equivilent in Selmer's lineup today, since the BT is no longer available new and it would be hard to find a good used one.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Don Berger 
Date:   2001-04-18 18:07

I found and bought a cracked-well-repaired Centered Tone and earlier had a Balanced Tone , both good-feeling and playing cls. They are certainly VG horns, partic. for jazz, however for what I play any more, I prefer my LeB L7 [the old-shoe syndrome??] Don

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Brenda Siewert 
Date:   2001-04-18 18:18

Well, I bought a Prologue II and a Leblanc LL at the same time and kept the LL. Of course, the LL was a more expensive clarinet (suggested retail), but I was offered the LL at the same price as the Prologue II. I liked the Prologue II, but it didn't have the tone in the upper registers that the LL had.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: joseph o'kelly 
Date:   2001-04-18 18:42

I have a question regarding what type Benny Goodman played. Did he play Selmers or Buffets?

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: David Kinder 
Date:   2001-04-18 18:50

If I remember right, he played a Selmer. I don't know what model.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Ken Shaw 
Date:   2001-04-18 19:32

Benny Goodman changed clarinets from time to time. I believe he began on a Selmer Balanced Tone. I know he played a Selmer Centered Tone in the 1950s and then switched to a Boosey & Hawkes 1010 after he studied with Reginald Kell in the late 1950s.

Best regards.

Ken Shaw

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: larryb 
Date:   2001-04-18 19:57

In addition to the above, Goodman also played a Buffet - at least briefly. It's on display at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art in the musical instrument collection (along with a number of other historical clarinets).

As to the original question in this chain,

I own a Bb Signature and an A Recital. I bought the Signature over a year ago when I was getting back into playing. While I had previously played a R13 (which was stolen), I sought out the Signature based on its alleged even intonation, tone hole placement and design, and tone quality. I'm very pleased with all these. I understand the comment about stuffiness - it could have to do with the mouthpiece reed set up, improper pad coverage (mostly a problem on early Signatures like mine - but fixable), or leakage in the tone hole inserts (also fixable). It does need some adjustment, but will play beautifully. I think my sound is much better focused and in tune than it was on the Buffet, but I was never unhappy with that one either. I did try an Opus, liked it, but it was too expensive.

As for the Recital, I tried it after buying the Signature because I was curious about its small bore and big feel. I was also concerned about cost after paying over $2000 for the Signature (above budget). The Recital is a great instrument too, and I'd consider buying a Bb to match, but don't have much problem switching back and forth - you need a perfect reed though to do it completely comfortably.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Ed 
Date:   2001-04-18 20:32

I ditto the comments on the stuffiness of the Signatures. I tried 3 different Signatures while searching for a horn last year and ended up with a Leblanc Concerto instead. I also thought the Sigs were a bit heavy as well. I'd like to try to find a Balanced Tone - sounds like a great horn by all accounts. My step-up horn was a Selmer Signet and I really liked its' response but it lacked color. I was really hoping to like the Signature because that Signet was really comfortable to play.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Brenda Siewert 
Date:   2001-04-18 20:34

I tried 3 different brand new Signatures from 2 different music stores and had the same results with all three with the stuffiness. I was disappointed because I loved the key action on the Signature. I could easily reach the extra Eb key, a problem I have on my Leblancs and my former Buffet Prestige. I had the money in my account and went into the deal wanting to purchase the Signature, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it with the stuffiness.

Oh, the Goodman thing--I'm reading that biography about him right now Swing, Swing, Swing by Firestone. Interesting! He used his Selmers almost exclusively--although I believe he did use the Buffet and others from time to time. There's a large b/w photo in the book of his Selmer and it looks like a Centered Tone.

I'd love to find a great Selmer because I play a lot of jazz and big band stuff through the year with my local band.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Irwin 
Date:   2001-04-18 23:00

I played the Prologue II for about 3 weeks before I finally traded it in for my R13. It was easier to play than the R13 and played on key in the altissimo range, but it was a bit too bright for my taste.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Rob 
Date:   2001-04-19 00:47

About 3 years ago when I decided to buy myself a present I ended up buying a Selmer Recital. I tried 4 R13s (one of my many attempts over the years to find one that I liked - it has never happened) 3 Signatures, which I was not thrilled with either and 3 Recitals. I opted to buy the Recital because it had all of the qualities that I was looking for. The intonation was superior, I loved the key action and for me, the tone quality was beautiful and even throughout. I know though that the Recital does not have many fans out there because of intonation problems with the low F, esp. on the A version and because it is a thumb-buster - It weighs more than the 2 Selmer FBs I have. I would probably not find a Selmer 10G that I like for the same reasons that I cannot find an R13 that I like - they are remarkably similar to play and for me seem to suffer from the same shortcomings. My experience though with the later model Selmers has been that they seem to play/respond better when you play on a Selmer mouthpiece, and Selmer does make some very good clarinet mouthpieces. I don't know if that is true for everyone, but it has certainly been true for me, especially with the Recital.

In many of the other posts in this thread I have seen much mention of the CT and the BT. I played on a CT for a while in high school and I got rid of it for some reason that I cannot recall, but I wish I hadn't. It was an awfully good horn. I have never tried a BT but I do have a "nameless" full boehm Selmer from the same era (1930s) that John Butler beautifully restored for me last year as well as a Series 10 (pre the 10G redesign) full boehm that I truly love playing - tho the 1930s model does suffer from the resistance that all Fbs have to some degree. When I was in jr. and sr. high school Series 9s and Series 10s were popular because their quality was much more consistent than Buffet; finding an R13 back then that wasn't a dog was no small feat (so yes, I'm old). I am surprised no one has mentioned Series 9s in this thread yet. I have played a few in my time - the Series 9, not the Series 9* - and I liked them very much as well. They had a very nice, big, rich sound to them and they were very free-blowing.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: J. Exner 
Date:   2001-04-19 01:30

I have a Selmer Series 10 Mazzeo that I've had since about 1971. Selmers were big then where I live. It's held up very well, but has gotten a little rattly. I just mailed it off to a repairman yesterday and hope it comes back good as new!

Jill

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Hiroshi 
Date:   2001-04-19 01:46

I formerly had a Buffet RC Prestige but as I liked Selmer 10SII's very centered tone I switched to it. I felt my Buffet's tone is too dispersing and I disliked its harmonics made by rectangular bell hole devised by Carret.( I gave my Buffet to my elder brother. How glad he was!) I also played a 10G. I liked it too. Almost no resistance.

As to Selmer 10SII and Recital, there is one bottleneck. Its bore size is smaller than standard Buffet bore 0.574", for which almost all mouthpieces and custome barrels are made.This means carefull choice of mouthpiece and barrel is indispensble. I obtained a Chedeville style mouthpiece and a Chadash 'A' barrel, which has smaller bore, both from Greg Smith.
cf. 10G and Singature have standard bore sizes.

I tried to obtain a Recital, which I heard has very dark tones but in Japan it is not avalable today. Read Sherman Friedland's Corner. He is a Recital player and you can read why he choosed a Selmer mouthpiece C85-115(?) because of bore matching. (If you use C85-115 with 0.574" bore clarinets, it feels very stuffy. I experienced it when I played a 10G.)

When I played my Selmer 10SII I felt it a little stuffy but I found I can play it very smoothly by relaxing jaw pressure. The 10SII tells the player not to bite.

p.s. I dislike Buffet R-13's very American tone.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Brenda Siewert 
Date:   2001-04-19 02:46

Yes, I agree about the Buffet R-13--too bright and lots of other things not to like. And, as Irwin said

<<"I played the Prologue II for about 3 weeks before I finally traded it in for my R13. It was easier to play than the R13 and played on key in the altissimo range, but it was a bit too bright for my taste.">>

Perhaps the Prologue II is also too bright. But I agree it was easier to play than the R-13. I also thought it had a better tone than the Buffet.

Frankly, there's no clarinet on earth as wonderful as the Leblanc Opus--but for jazz and big band I'm just wondering what happened to the dominance Selmer had back during B.G.'s era?

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: jbutler 
Date:   2001-04-19 03:13

Rob,et al.
The series 9 to me doesn't play that much different than the Centered Tone. Most of the "refinements" was in the key work. I would have to go dig one out of the "to do" stock pile and check bore size, but believe it to be the same. I've sold some 9's but not played on one extensively. I'll do some "side/side" and report later.

John

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Mike 
Date:   2001-04-19 04:31

I've had my Series 9 since 1964 and it has served me well in a variety of playing situations (it has a rep as a jazz horn because of the large bore/big sound). It remains a serious clarinet that is usually undervalued on the secondary market. Something called an R-13 usually commands a higher price (I think I read something about an R-13 on this board once).

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: joevacc 
Date:   2001-04-19 06:30

I have only played one Signature and did not experience the stuffiness that seems to be the majority of other experiences. I thought that the horn was one of the nicest sounding horns I've played. The low end was incredible. The intonation perfect. I did find it heavy as stated and being a Leblanc player found the key placement a bit awkward, nothing some time with the horn couldn't cure. I have a Bay mouthpiece maybe it suited the horn I was playing better than some. I think, as Rob is eluding to, some Selmers are particular as to the mouthpiece that will make them sing.

I was considering buying a Omega. There is two different models in production now. One is made in Paris, One in the USA. The USA clarinet is supposedly there top of the line model with a .577 bore. The Paris model is the same dimensions as the Prologue with a .570 bore. (please correct me if I have the bore sizes wrong) I've not played either of them. There is no mention of either horn on the Selmer web site. They also had the Omega made in the '50s but I am not sure of the dimensions. I am very glad to here all the praise about the LL because I just last night bought a used one. I have not received it yet, I can't wait to here it! I hope mine is all you guys think they are.

Ciao for now,

jv

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Brenda Siewert 
Date:   2001-04-19 14:48

JV,
Don't buy the USA Omega. They're not nearly as good as the Paris Omega. I've bought and played both. You can get a good Paris Omega at a good price if you shop carefully and believe me it will be worth your trouble. The USA is not any where near as good an instrument all the way around--wood, keys and key action, sound, playability, reputation, resale value, etc. A friend who owns a Selmer dealership told me the USAs have lots of problems, but the Paris Omegas are really good clarinets.

The Paris Omega I recently bought for a student player was really a joy to play. It played circles around the Buffet R-13 and had a simply magnificent tone! According to Ed Riley of the Selmer clarinet website, the Omega and the Prologue are identical in bore size.

So, if you're looking for a Selmer Omega--do the Paris one. Brook Mays carries these all the time, or e me and I'll see if I can find one for you. I have a friend who has a couple of used ones at his store. I don't know prices.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Mike B. 
Date:   2001-04-19 15:21

Hi -

I play a Series 9, for the following reasons:

1. Big, fat tone (the R13s I've played sounded thin to me).

2. Low resistance (compared to the R13s). This is especially important when playing jazz and doubling.

3. Cost. You can get an excellent condition Series 9 for under $600, sometimes well under.

Regards.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: joseph o'kelly 
Date:   2001-04-20 02:19

I agree with the comments made about the R-13 but dissagree with the image Buffet is getting. I would like to think now that the R-13 is no longer Buffet's premium model. The Selmers should be compared to the Festivals and the Prestiges. These play with much more ease and clarity than the stuffy R-13s.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: joevacc 
Date:   2001-04-20 04:33

Brenda,

Thank you for the offer. I am waiting for my new to me LL! I am hoping this clarinet will hold me over for awhile. I have a ten day trial set up with the seller so if it doesn't work out maybe we can talk.

Ciao,

jv

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: thomas 
Date:   2001-04-20 17:08

My opinion: I play a german clarinet and a Buffet (E13) both with the same facing in the mouthpiece. I tried the Selmer Recital, I did not like it. I tried the Selmer Signature. My opinion: It is somewhere between a german clarinet and a buffet. It has more resistance than a buffet ( with a darker sound, does not get metallic when played loud), but much less resistance than a german clarinet. On the other hand the buffet seemed to have much more coloristic sound than the signature. Fazit: If I did not own a german clarinet I would probably prefer a Signature over a Buffet. Since I have a german clarinet I use this for having a dark, compact sound. If the sound should be bright, coloristic, resonant I use the buffet. By the way I tried in Frankfurt a Patricola and a Howarth clarinet. I was impressed by their sound. On the other hand the Opus was rather disappointing for me (bright, thin).

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Brenda Siewert 
Date:   2001-04-20 17:16

Opus, bright, thin? Doesn't sound like an Opus. Oh well---I agree about the Signature in that it doesn't get that bright metallic sound the R-13 gets when you play volume in the upper registers. So, that's a plus for the Signature. However, I couldn't get much volume out of the Signature even with my Kaspar mouthpiece.

Someone mentioned comparing the Selmers with the higher priced Buffets--I had a great Buffet R-13 Prestige that was hand selected by my prof. from the Buffet factory and sold it recently because of most of the same reasons I don't like the standard R-13s. It just didn't measure up to the Opus I bought. It was much harder to get the sound I wanted than my Opus.

Oh, about the LL--I love those. I'm playing one right now with my community band. It's perfect for the big band and jazz stuff. But, I'm interested in the Selmer Series 9 if I could find a good one--just for comparison.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: stan shipley 
Date:   2002-02-05 01:45


I recently bought a Selmer Series 9 (some 40 yrs old) and love it for its mellow
tone and easy blowing.......I play mostly swing, pop, and jazz. Also have a Buffet ' International ' clarinet....also a very nice sounding as well as being constructed very well constructed.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Sun Clarinet 
Date:   2011-07-12 18:54

Today I tried 1999 Signature in A, 2008 Recital in Bb, R-13 in Bb, and R-13 Prestige in Bb.
The Recital was superior in all aspects. The intonation - flawless, the only low F was little low. The evennes of the sound and its focus trully impressed me. The keywork and the weight were somehow unusual for the first 2-3 minutes of play, then it felt like a glove. The price was $2,499
Second came the Prestige. Almost brand new. Nice tone, brighter than the Recital, but very pleasant too. Even in all registers. The low F was low. The throat G was low and required much voicing to play in tune. The clarinet was priced at $4,490
Third was the R-13. I don't know how old it was but not older than 5 years. Quite uniform sound in all registers but no brilliance in it, rather thin. The low F was low, the throat register uneven, some notes were low, some high, but only by penny or two. The price was $2,500
The Signature dissapointed me. Too many notes are not in tune. Stuffy first octave E. Second octave very bright Eb is followed by stuffy E. I noticed that the pins on the spatula keys are made of plastic (similar to Buffets). Is it so? At least, they were white in color. The keywork was comfortable. The price tag - $4,425

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: sonicbang 
Date:   2011-07-12 20:14

I tried Selmer Privilege, Odyssee, and Recital models at Frankfurt 3 years ago and I was very impressed by their performance. I liked the Privilege Bb the most but it's a very heavy instrument to hold. I had no problems with playing on them with a B45Lyre, and yes, I checked tuning carefully.



Post Edited (2011-07-12 20:36)

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: jbutler 2017
Date:   2011-07-14 00:27

I'm always impressed when 10 yr old threads reappear. I still have the CT mentioned in the second post but sold the BT. I also have a LeBlanc Ambiance I purchased maybe summer 2002. I really don't care what anyone else plays.....and no one should really care what I play......if it works for you then play it.

jbutler

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Ed Palanker 
Date:   2011-07-14 00:51

I bought a Selmer Signature four years ago while looking for a new Buffet for a student, I was blown away by the beautiful tone and response. It's rich,warm, full and powerful. I've been looking for a new Buffet for my self for years when I tried the Selmers just for curiosity and bought it on the spot. I tried four of them and always found the one I choose first to be the best, I love it. ESP eddiesclarinet.com

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Ralph 
Date:   2011-07-14 03:04

I have a set of Recitals and I think they are wonderful instruments. They have a great sound, excellent intonation and good keywork. Yes, they are heavier than the average instrument, but I got used to the weight fairly quickly and it doesn't bother me.

Prior to purchasing the Recital Bb, I tried the Leblanc Concerto, the Yahama line and most of the Buffet line. THe final decison came down to the Buffet Festival and the Recital.

My instructor at the time, a member of the Buffet mafia, actually complimented my choice and agreed that the Recital is a worthy instrument.

By the way, I played the Selmer Privilege Bb/A instruments at last year's Clarinet Fest and was impressed with these instruments. They sound great, have a very even scale and excellent intonation. Even the low F is very close to pitch, w/o a correction key ala the Tosca. If I were in the market for new instruments, I would certailnt consider the Privilege.

Ralph

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: bennyclarinet 
Date:   2012-01-20 16:38

hi ralph,

If were to give you a choice to buy either a recital or privilege, which will you choose and why...?

The reason why i asked because i am looking for a selmer clarinet but i am not sure of what i want. I am still considering the recital and the privilege. Hope that you could reply to me about it. Thanks!

Benny

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Ralph 
Date:   2012-01-20 22:19

Benny - I wish I could give you a definitive answer, but I only played the Privilege for a short period of time. I believe that you really need to try both of them and make your own decision. I have to admit that I was very impressed with the Privilege (and it is lighter than the Recital if that is a concern for you).

Ralph

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Paul Aviles 
Date:   2012-01-21 00:39

I don't mean to butt in, but I LOVE the Privilege horns. They are very focused and full. They have all the punch in the low register of the R13 without the intonation issues............ and that intonation is GREAT.

My problem with the Recital is that it gets at its acoustics in a cheesy manner, with the overly thick billet. This also makes it heavy and a bit hard to haul over the long term.



................Paul Aviles



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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: jbutler 2017
Date:   2012-01-22 00:00

Wow, I can't believe that a thread 10+ years gets resurrected! It's amazing to me.

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: gkern 
Date:   2013-02-18 15:09

My favorite is the Selmer Centered Tone - 1952 model. I had been using a Portnoy 02 mp, but just today tried a Selmer C85 105 which I had stuck in a drawer several years ago and forgotten about - but - the CT now sings like never before!

Gary K

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: SteveG_CT 
Date:   2013-02-18 16:39

It seems like there are a lot of thread necromancers on the forum this week....

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Clarineteer 
Date:   2013-02-19 12:20

I recently noticed that Mr. Michael Norsworthy who has been a Buffet performing artist for the longest time has now switched to become a Selmer performing artist.

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia 
Date:   2013-02-20 20:41

Selmer makes some great clarinets. They're always a pleasure to try at the various shows they appear at.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: NOLA Ken 
Date:   2018-10-11 20:53

Although I've mostly preferred older Leblancs, I have a Selmer Series 9 Full Boehm that I absolutely love the tone of. My primary problem with it is that the keys and tone holes are father apart than those on my Leblancs and I have trouble playing it with my smallish hands. It's wonderful for slower pieces, but doesn't work for me for passages requiring any speed. I've heard others playing Selmer 10s and 10Gs, and really like their tone as well, although I think it a bit less rich than the 9. I'm considering trading the 9 in for a 10, preferrably a FB if I can find one. Can anyone here shed light on whether or not the Series 10 and 10G tone holes and keyword are closer to those of the vintage Leblancs and R-13s than are those of the 9?

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: fernie121 
Date:   2018-10-11 23:19

I played a 10G all through high school and a little after. Best sounding clarinet I have ever played and the tone holes were pretty “normal” to me. I have a series 9 and know what you mean by large tone holes. It’s not the same as the 10G in the way it “feels”. Whether the 10G is the same as an R13, idk. I’ve never played an R13 for an extended period of time.



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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: kaiserthegreat 
Date:   2018-10-17 00:11

So many jazz guys love the balanced and centered tones of old, if not some of the models following those two, I wonder why Selmer hasn't bothered with a "Reference 36" type idea for their clarinet line. Perhaps because jazz clarinet isn't big enough to warrant it anymore, but it sure would be cool if they did.

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Clarineteer 
Date:   2018-10-17 02:38
Attachment:  Selmer Series 9.jpg (1005k)

I am playing a 1962 Series 9 currently which is superb in every way. I just finished a full restoration and every time I think about selling it a voice inside my head says, You will be sorry.

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: NOLA Ken 
Date:   2018-10-19 21:41

That's exactly the problem I'm having. I think about selling it because of the limited use I can put it to. I have to work hard to keep the thumb sealed to keep it from squeaking (tone hole size & spread). But when I succeed it's just wonderful. I used it once for a very melodious low, slow-moving part in a work our community band was performing and it sounded incredible. Nothing else in my stable of clarinets (and none of the R-13s in the group) could touch that mellow, smooth sound. I think about selling it, but then I pick it up and blow a ballad and realize that if I do I will always miss that sound.

BTW, I live in New Orleans, and we have lots of really, really fine have jazz clarinetists all over the place. (I'm not one of them sad to say). The clarinetist who inspired me to start playing again after way too many years was playing a CT when I first heard him. He's playing a 10G now and it just doesn't sound as nice - another reason I hesitate to let the Series 9 go.

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Hank Lehrer 
Date:   2018-10-19 22:06

Hi All,

I've got a Series 9* that is now my #3 behind my Yamaha CS Custom and a tremendous LeBlanc L200. Both the CS and the LeBlanc are wonderful instruments but the 9* and I have been together for a long time. But I am slowly thinning my herd so it may be time for 9* to go.

However, if I tried to sell it, the are a couple of repaired cracks in the upper section that you can barely make out, I'd take a beating. The cracks were expertly repaired by a top quality tech and the instrument plays flawlessly.

I guess I'll just hang on to it but it sad to see it not being used. Is anyone else in the same boat?

HRL

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: shmuelyosef 
Date:   2018-10-24 00:08

Gary K said:
"My favorite is the Selmer Centered Tone - 1952 model. I had been using a Portnoy 02 mp, but just today tried a Selmer C85 105 which I had stuck in a drawer several years ago and forgotten about - but - the CT now sings like never before!"

I also have several CTs, both from 1953. The combination of the CT with the C85 is certainly the loudest, most free-blowing clarinet setup I have ever experienced...but I mostly use my Grabner K-14 for it's great flexibility. I do use the C-85 for outdoor large-ensemble or folk jam sessions



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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Victor P 
Date:   2018-10-30 21:41

One Recital incidentally came into my possession for a while - and I liked almost everything about it. The tuning was impeccable, the tone just wonderful - sweet, warm and round - even on the highest notes, very convenient and silent mechanics too. It sounded amazing on a recording! But sadly, not in the hall. It just did not have enough volume. Also, not very flexible - can't imagine why would jazz musicians like it. And it was way too heavy.



Post Edited (2018-10-30 21:50)

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Windy Dreamer 
Date:   2018-11-01 03:44

After reading this thread I did a search for information on new Selmer clarinets. While searching I stumbled across the Henri Selmer Paris " Easy " video. I absolutely love this video. Selmer clarinets now top my " hope to find " list because of it.

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Tom Puwalski 
Date:   2018-12-01 07:31

Over that last few years I've had the chance to try, play and own all of the top model Buffets. I've tried all of the new top Selmers and I could never bring myself to purchase one because non of the new ever came remotely close to the sound and playability of my my 1959 Centered tone. I have a 1932 metal Selmer that I like better than the newer ones. Why is it that Selmer can have some of the Iconic instruments Centered Tone Clarinets and the Mark VI Saxophones and not have them in production? New Buffets play better than older buffets, that's my opinion new Selmers don't again, my opinion. I'm playing my yamahas 95% percent of the time, the other time I'm playing my CT Bb and C clarinet.

Tom Puwalski author of A Clarinetist's guide to Klezmer, Klezmer Boot camp and Yamaha performing artist.

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 RE: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: Hugues Fardao 
Date:   2022-11-10 01:27

I play Selmer Alto clarinet and an old L series B flat. My favourite models are Privilège, 10S, pre-WWII models, Récital, Centered Tone, Saint-Louis.

I tried all pro models from Buffet-Crampon and Selmer : I prefer Selmer clarinets, they have what I call "Selmer kick", a kind of punch in the sound with cool low frequencies and still a clear tone.

I also love Selmer mouthpieces, the C85 series and the Echo especially. I'm a big fan of my Echo, I tried it once on a Buffet-Crampon Tradition it was great ! The Tradition is the only Buffet clarinet I really like, it has this fat sound and resistance I found in Selmer instruments.

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 Re: Let's discuss Selmer clarinets
Author: super20dan 
Date:   2022-11-10 03:31

after reading some of these posts-i am going to have to try my c85 105 selmer mpc on my bal-tone and k model extended bohem.

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