The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Value of 1949 Selmer Bb

Author: ken
Date: 2002-06-04 23:05

I'm out of my element on this one and would appreciate guidance or an informed opinion from you collectors on the fair market selling price of a Selmer Bb "P" Series #5XXX (c: 1949). My repairman said it was dropped-off by an older gent, like 84 y/o who claimed he played professionally in the 50-60s...the horn's been living in his attic since 1975. I gave it the once over, definitely a pro-level horn from that production period, it looked like something Benny or Artie would've played in its hey-day. Keys were predictably dulled but still solid/intact without any corrosive build-up. Springs were aged/brittle but playable. Rods and screws were functional and not bent (I suspect a few riveted-end ones are already broken inside and need replacing). No visible cracks inside and out, a couple of surface scratches but nothing that couldn't be filled and/or buffed out. Leaks galore with a number of eaten away pads. From what I could muster out of it, it did have some fine qualities though, mechanically sound, surprisingly free blowing and good pitch center, dark/warm tone (almost glowing....very Selmer) and basically in tune with itself. The horn came in its original single, hand-stitched zipper case...like new condition. I believe it to have potential, even a diamond in the rough and worth investing the $350-$550 on a Tim Clark or Brannen overhaul.

I estimate its worth between $300 to maybe $650 sold "as is", I could be wrong...that's what it's worth to me. What y'all think?

Thx folks for your time and advice. v/r KEN

Reply To Message

RE: Value of 1949 Selmer Bb

Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-06-05 01:21

I have 2 P series Sel-Paris, my 59xx's date I place as 1953, its a fine-playing Centered Tone which I use a my #1 or 2 depending on what my friends play. The other [not model-marked] is a 1952 P 22xx, good but not great IMHO. I have priced them to potential buyers at US$600 and 500, so you are in the ball park {in OK, more on E or W coast?}. They are large bore horns .590" [15.0 mm] so try a number of mps, and maybe Sel barrels, I'm a believer in close matching of bore sizes for best performance. Do repair! Don

Reply To Message

RE: Value of 1949 Selmer Bb

Author: Vytas
Date: 2002-06-05 03:12

$300 - $350 is about right for this clarinet. You can buy completely overhauled Selmer Centered Tone for around $600 - $650
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=880843539
Also you can check John Butler�s Web site. He had very nice N series Selmer that has been professionally overhauled for $549

Reply To Message

RE: Value of 1949 Selmer Bb

Author: Vytas
Date: 2002-06-05 03:14

Sory, here is the link to John Butler's web site

http://www.cork-and-pad.woodwind.org/

Reply To Message

RE: Value of 1949 Selmer Bb

Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-06-05 03:17

I have an N series A in my workshop under restoration. Well worth the trouble. I dont know why the centred tone would be worth more they are a really heavy, stodgy horn and the centered tone A is not worth the trouble most of the time.

Reply To Message

RE: Value of 1949 Selmer Bb

Author: ken
Date: 2002-06-05 22:53

Thanks to all for the links, sites and poignant advice, you've all just saved me a bundle....Bravo gentlemen!

Reply To Message

Avail. Forums | Threaded View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

The Clarinet Pages

For Sale
Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - ads removed after two weeks.