 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: JimmyVP
Date: 2023-07-02 22:55
I possess my grandfathers Selmer “Brevete” S.G.D.G., Serial #339 (Manufactured before 1926), stamped “H. Selmer A Paris” in the oval emblem above the top joint. I am told the key of this instrument is based in B-flat. I’m trying to determine if this is correct.
My grandfather, Peter J. Pumiglio, owned this and other instruments. He was a member of the “Raymond Scott Quintette” (quintet misspelled purposely)
RSQ appeared in multiple radio, movie, and TV appearances from the 1930s into the 1950s. Primarily playing soprano clarinet (which I also own) for the Quintette and for Raymond Scott’s orchestra, my grandfather also played bass clarinet, flute, and tenor saxophone. He was very proficient in all of these instruments and was self taught.
https://youtu.be/zbR6YZs8hqs
This is a link to “War Dance For A Wooden Indian”, a scene from the 1934 movie, “Happy Landing.” my grandfather is the clarinetist in this scene. If you watch the whole scene, he will see him do some amazing solos. He is NOT playing his bass clarinet in this video but I do own his Buffet Soprano Clarinet, which he was playing in this scene.
Post Edited (2023-07-02 23:57)
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Author: lydian
Date: 2023-07-02 23:09
You haven't convinced me this is even a bass clarinet. Are there any other pictures or recordings you can share?
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Author: JimmyVP
Date: 2023-07-02 23:54
I wasn’t trying to convince you of anything. If you don’t have information about the piece I am describing, there is no need to reply, but thank you anyway.
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Author: JimmyVP
Date: 2023-07-02 23:55
I have plenty of pictures of the instrument itself. All you had to do was look up the serial number and you will see that it is not anything other than a bass clarinet.
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2023-07-02 23:58
Assuming the recording is being played at the correct speed and is not pitch shifted, it is a standard Bb clarinet.
-JDbassplayer
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2023-07-03 00:07
Jimmy, I think you may be confusing serial numbers with model numbers. Serial numbers are unique to each instrument, there is only 1 Selmer clarinet in the world with serial number 339 (your grandfather's). Likewise for 340, 341 and so on. They are used to identify the date of manufacture of the instrument. Think of them like VIN numbers for a car.
Based on this the instrument was made in 1932:
https://www.adams-music.com/en/repair_and_maintenance/serial_numbers/selmer
-JDbassplayer
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Author: JimmyVP
Date: 2023-07-03 00:22
That answers my question about my grandfather’s soprano saxophone. My cousin tells me they are both in the same key. I just wanted to be sure. Thanks again.
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Author: lydian
Date: 2023-07-03 00:49
Jimmy, I likely do have the information you need, but you posted videos of a soprano clarinet. Given this information and knowing nothing else about you, I can only conclude that you don't know what a bass clarinet is, hence my request for more information. If you're bothered by questions, I wish you the best of luck in your search.
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Author: lydian
Date: 2023-07-03 01:00
Jdbassplayer, how did you conclude that this instrument was made in 1932? I think you were looking at trumpet serials by mistake. The earliest Selmer clarinet charts start at 400 in 1927. Since they made an average of 1000 clarinets per year, logically the OP's was made in late 1926.
By 1926, Selmer would have stopped making high pitch instruments. So it would be extraordinarily unlikely for a Selmer bass to be anything but Bb, assuming this is actually a bass.
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2023-07-03 06:33
JimmyVP,
I love Raymond Scott!!!!
It is exciting to hear from one of the relatives of the Raymond Scott Quintette! Thanks for the link showing your grandfather playing - what a hoot!
Generally speaking, we think of standard bass clarinets as being in the key of Bb.
I think for the era given, and the music your grandfather played, Bb would make a lot of sense in that group - but it is difficult to tell for sure without photos, etc.
I've heard contrabass clarinet used in jazz by Jonathan Doyle https://jonathandoyle.bandcamp.com/track/dardanella
If your love for Raymond Scott's music goes beyond your personal link to the Quintette, you might enjoy listening to a group of "young" folks following in your grandfather's footsteps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCD-PU5Evn8 This was a few years back now, but the Stu Brown Raymond Scott Project CD was top notch.
Thanks again for posting! What a cool connection to great music and musicians!
Fuzzy
;^)>>>
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2023-07-18 20:33
I wanted to bump this thread a bit...
I have been corresponding with JimmyVP, and found that he had tried to post photos ealier in this thread, but was unsuccessful. He is now listing the Selmer Paris S.G.D.G. Bass Clarinet in the "for sale" area of the bboard, and he was able to post photos as well! So, if anyone is interested in seeing photos, they can be found in that listing.
Fuzzy
;^)>>>
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