 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: dave
Date: 2002-03-10 03:39
i have recently aquired a 1957 selmer paris Low C bass Clarinet in near new condition. there is no damage or cracks in the wood, it has 100% plate on the neck/keys and mint original case and mouthpiece, the pads are also excellent. i am a saxophone player and wondering if this is considered a good clarinet and some idea of its value in this condition. it has the Selmer paris logo and a sn# of R8XX
any help would be much appreciated
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Author: HAT
Date: 2002-03-10 13:36
All I can say is if a colleague of mine was thinking of buying the instrument, I would advise him/her not to pay more than $2500 for it. Bass clarinets have come a long way since 1957.
But you might find someone willing to pay as much as $3500 if you are smart.
David Hattner, NYC
www.northbranchrecords.com
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2002-03-10 16:04
If it's a good player I would just keep it. Improvements have been made in construction and mechanism through the years but many people believe that the quality of the wood has gone downhill. A 45 year old Selmer could be made from a really nice piece of wood.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-03-11 14:03
Dave -
The old Selmer basses have a very good reputation, but, as with any older instrument, you have to evaluate it individually. An instrument can be polished up to look new, yet still have a lot of wear.
I think the best thing to do is to bring it to the nearest professional player to check things like intonation, response and condition. Anything we can say from a distance is speculation.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: HAT
Date: 2002-03-11 15:04
Hi Ken,
I know your fondness for some of the older bass clarinets. There are some people who like them. I personally feel that in terms of response, intonation and reliability new bass clarinets (by selmer and now buffet) are far far better.
That doesn't mean this isn't an excellent bass clarinet that COULD be played professionally. I just would not pay more than 1/2 the cost of a new one for it.
David Hattner, NYC
www.northbranchrecords.com
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