 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Granto01
Date: 2019-09-22 03:21
Heyo
So I had a big fat barrel problem with my two Series 10 Selmers almost 2 weeks ago. Well apparently one of my reeds makes it go sharp instead of flat so I'm gonna pray the rest of my unopened 56 Rue Lepic reeds work on it.
So I in the mood of things, bought a Selmer 9* (17/6) for a reasonable price ($400) considering that it is partially restored.
The Serial Number is a late T
So far based on my 9th grade playing ability (which isn't too bad, all state 6th chair in Michigan :D) The 9 Star seems to be kinda dull and hard to play unlike my U series 17/6 and my X series 20/7.
I have managed to accumulate 3 Vandorens (M13, M30, B45) as well as 3 selmer mouthpieces (2 HS stars and a HS double star) and at the present moment the only mouthpiece that isn't giving me a horrible time is the B45.....
I was really curious to know if any of y'all on the board can tell me your experiences with the 9*. I'm hoping that I can somewhat perfect it before High School All-State auditions at the end of October.
-The Vanguard Case is a pain to open and close ;C
Thanks y'all
-Granto
Post Edited (2019-09-22 03:22)
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2019-09-22 19:48
Granto Hello!
The 9* is a pretty old clarinet enjoyed by many jazz players and not too many more conservative players, I'm trying to be careful not to use the word classical players here.
The 9* was harder to control because of the larger bore, but a very nice horn. The Buffet R13's outsold the Selmer 9*'s during this time by a lot. Everyone played on Buffet's for the most part, because of this larger bore, but again the jazz players love this 9*. I had one for about a year and that was my feeling as well.
I won't ever tell you not to play on this or any other horn. Play on what feels best. For example I was an R13 player for just about all of my life but now I don't think I will ever go back to Buffet. I sold 16 Buffets and I don't miss them.
So be open minded and try other horns as you are young and as your talents grow spend more time in search of the mouthpiece that brings you a constant good sound and is easy to play in all registers.
Maybe by the time you are in college you will have found the right instructor to help you figure all of this out. Until then just enjoy music and don't worry too much about anything else! Have a blast!
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Djudy
Date: 2019-09-22 20:40
I read in the old Selmer brochures that the 9 was for jazz and the 9* for classical. Is this borne out by the players ?
see p11 https://www.woodwindforum.com/clarinetperfection/galleryclar/SelmerParis/SelmerCatalogClarinetEssentials.pdf
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2019-09-23 05:32
I don't know about the jazz and classical models. In fact I've heard fine jazz being played on small bore Buffet R13's, but not by me. I prefer a more open bore. As I said above I had the 9* and it was very open for jazz playing and not too many symphony player gravitated to it. I think, but not sure, Anthony Gigliotti with the Philadelphia Orchestra played on one, then moved to the 10 series and then the 10G was pretty much HIS design. I think, again I'm not positive, a few of his students also played on the 9 series horns from Temple University and Curtis Institute. I can't really list the names and be totally confidant saying these players used the 9* horns. A lot used the 10's for sure.
Now Selmer does make very wonderful clarinets from the little Eb all the way down to bass clarinet along with several models to try out. I enjoy one of their clarinet mouthpieces called the Concept. For the price it has a perfect bore and if you spend a few bucks on a facing adjustment this is one of the best production mouthpieces on the market. Yes it will make you and any horn sound so much better,. But it's too open for most and needs to be fixed. The only other production mouthpiece with an outstanding bore is the Yamaha Custom. This too is way too open for pretty much anyone, even the pros.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Reedman1908
Date: 2019-09-23 18:09
If I may add to the discussion, I have a Bb & A Selmer 9*, both overhauled by Wesley Rice. Bore dimensions are similar to R13. Mouthpiece is a Selmer HS*. Both clarinets play very well with good intonation. I have performed with other R13’s, Yamaha’s etc. I also use a Rice barrel and VD V12’s. Instrument choice aside, the horn setup, and the balance between you, your reed, ligature and mouthpiece are most important. Wesley’s biggest overhaul market is new R13’s. I also own a Series 9, which I use for jazz, but have played it in classical situations. My jazz experience has made a huge difference in playing in tune. I perform on Eb soprano also to the amazement of my colleagues and directors because I am able to micro adjust and tune with the ensemble. If my 9* is bad, my ear and chops have compensated. This is just one data point.
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