 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Sebastian Owens
Date: 2021-02-05 01:11
Hi all,
I've been doing a lot of research, but I haven't been able to find any comparisons between CT and Series 9 bass clarinets anywhere. I'm wondering what this forum's opinion of this specific era of horns is, and what you all would consider a good price.
Thanks,
Sebastian
Post Edited (2021-02-05 02:29)
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2021-02-05 08:33
There were no CT basses. There were basses made in the same era as the CT but the only difference is a few minor key work differences like a teardrop register key and the key work will be unplated. In my experience any Selmer bass from the 50s to the 70s (before the “new” model 33 came out) will play very similarly.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: kilo
Date: 2021-02-05 13:09
I have an early "Series 9" but it's basically a new label slapped on the the standard bass at the time, following the "Q" or "R" series. Mine's an "S".
In my opinion these can be very nice-sounding low Eb basses. The wood is from the era when large blackwood billets were easier to come by. The ergonomics are decent, although I could use a spatula register key. I bought mine "as is" for $1800 and had it overhauled. I've been told that good, refurbished models might sell in the $3000 - $4,000 range.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2021-02-05 16:30
The low D and low C models don't have the thumb keys linked to the rest of the mechanism on the lower joint, so the low Eb key has to be held down for any notes below low Eb.
The CT-era and earlier Series 9 basses have strengthening ribs on the crook, whereas later Series 9-era ones and the others that followed on don't have that - you can definitely see these older basses were built with more attention to detail. But still expect dry solder joints which is easier to put right on unplated keywork.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Sebastian Owens
Date: 2021-02-06 11:04
Chris P wrote:
> The low D and low C models don't have the thumb keys linked to
> the rest of the mechanism on the lower joint, so the low Eb key
> has to be held down for any notes below low Eb.
>
> The CT-era and earlier Series 9 basses have strengthening ribs
> on the crook, whereas later Series 9-era ones and the others
> that followed on don't have that - you can definitely see these
> older basses were built with more attention to detail. But
> still expect dry solder joints which is easier to put right on
> unplated keywork.
>
I see, thank you for the info. Does the crook refer to the tuning slide or just below it?
Post Edited (2021-02-06 11:07)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2021-02-07 00:31
'Crook' is the entire neck or S-bend assembly - both the socket end and the tenon end with the crook key have the reinforcement ribs soldered to them on older Selmer basses. They must've ditched that sometime in the '70s.
Generally in the UK, the bent metal tube that connects the reed or mouthpiece to any woodwind instrument and bring it into a comfortable playing position, both single and double reed instruments, is called the 'crook'. From what I gather, the US convention is to call the crook a 'neck' on single reed instruments (larger clarinets and the majority of saxes) and 'bocal' if it's a double reed instrument (larger oboes and all bassoons).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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