 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Colin Farquhar
Date: 2002-03-27 01:29
HI There:
I just bought a Selmer RI which needs restoration (pads, cleaning, wood rejuvenation, crack repair etc) which I believe to be from 1932 according to the serial number (L25XX). Can anyone tell me some information on this instrument? I've searched the archives and the 'net, and have had a hard time finding info on this instrument.
Thanks,
Colin Farquhar
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Author: jbuter
Date: 2002-03-27 01:37
Selmer Co was a very good marketer in the US. They did not have such designations in their Europe market, but starting in the 30's came up with the monikers of RI (Radio Improved), BT (Balanced Tone 30's-40's)), and CT (Centered Tone 50's). These were followed by the Series 9, 9*, 10, 10G, etc. There was one clarinet in the late 40's with the moniker of "Model 55". There also was a model that did not have any name with the serial numbers starting with the letter "N" and most refer to it simply as the "N" series. I can not detect any difference between the Radio Improved and the Balanced Tone. I've measured the bores and barrels and the key work is the same. They are a large bore clarinet with no undercutting (frasing). Most of them play well, especially if you are into the jazz idiom.
jbutler
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Author: John Gibson
Date: 2002-03-27 02:25
.......and don't call me an idiom! But seriously folks....
John, I found an N series Selmer at a local shop here in town. Has an articulated G# and an extra fork in the lower joint. What is that for? Is this N series a big bore clarinet? I played it and it sounded good though needed some adjustments. Asking price is $595. What do you think? it's serial number is N2686. Thanks...
John
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Author: Colin Farquhar
Date: 2002-03-27 06:31
Thanks for the info, I bought this clarinet with intent to use it as my jazz horn
Colin Farquhar
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Author: jbuter
Date: 2002-03-27 11:19
John,
It is probably a good player. I think these "N" series instruments are in some ways better than the more acclaimed BT's. Look at the register vent. It's huge! It is tapered so to clear up the Bb. The forks are for the alt B and the trill C#. Play it and if it plays well it is worth the $595. Offer cash and you could get it for lower.
jbutler
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-03-27 18:42
I have a Selmer R I, L 1606, Full Boehm [1932 I believe], plays quite well, would be better with J B's TLC, I'm sure. Its main diff. from my earlier Sel FB is that it has a metal-tubed barrel, [extends into the upper U J]. The best Sel I have is a 1954? CT, cracked-repaired, better than a 1952 Fr import, no model info. Don
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Author: Earl Thomas
Date: 2002-03-27 18:50
On the older Selmer topic:
When I was returning from overseas during early 1946, I purchased two clarinets from Maurice Selmer, in Paris. He apoligized that he had not many clarinets for me to try-out, but handed me a nearly full-boehm B-flat and A both of which were "N" Series instruments. At the time, he was asking $75 for the B-flat and $80 for the A. Since that time, I've sold those instruments and in return for endorsing the Selmer Omega in the early 1950's, Maurice Selmer made up a set of Omega clarinets in what I hoped would be the "K" series bore. I think they were; for they played beautifully and did so for years until Buffet made me a set of R13s with the early 100,000 serial numbers. I finally sold those Omega instruments (Q156 and Q157) and eventually found two GREAT old Buffets, the B-flat is 21,000 serial number and the A dates from before WW I and has a low three digit serial number. It is to die for! Please don't tell me that old instruments are "blown-out" Please!!
I think your "N" series is probably a great instrument, be it for Jazz of Classical performing. What's the difference anyway? The "K" series were very fine instruments and played by one of my good friends at Juilliard in the mid to late '40s. I 've found the RI and the BT series to be splendid also. The best very old Selmer I played was made around 1912 or so. It had the H. Slemer trade-mark and a real hard rubber mouthpiece with the same stamp (I still have that mouthpiece and it's splendid, but not as good as my Borbeck 13). I think that old Henri Selmer had undercut tone holes, but I'm not certain.
Hope all of this is helpful. At the price you've been quoted, that old "N" series will make you quite happy, I'm sure.
All the best,
Earl T.
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Author: Colin Farquhar
Date: 2002-03-28 16:29
HI There:
Thanks very much for your help with this instrument. It's in the shop right now being rebuilt and brought back to playing specs, after which I hope to use for bothe dizieland jazz and for big band!
Colin Farquhar
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