 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Selmer'53
Date: 2007-11-17 01:20
Could anyone help me with info. about a Selmer clarinet called "Manhattan"? It has this stenciled on every part of the instrument, including the mouthpiece that originally came with it, and I think it's wood. I looked up as much as I could, but all I could find was that it was made out of Elkhart, IN, and that Martin may have manufactured the instrument back in the day. Serial # R2442. Any facts about this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Selmer'53
Date: 2007-11-17 01:40
GBK-
Thanks for that quick reply. I'd actually seen that link and was hoping for more detailed information, such as what kind of wood, what it is comparable to in regard to other Selmers, large bore or not, undercut or not, student model or high-end for it's day...that sort of thing. I suppose the age of it must make it difficult to find answers.
Anything that anyone else could add?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2007-11-17 02:15
In general the American branch of the Selmer Corporation made student and intermediate clarinets. The professional models were all produced in France.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Selmer'53
Date: 2007-11-17 02:31
Even in the 20's?
Also, why would Martin have produced Selmer instruments?
I saw a fella's list on the net that said he owned a Czech grenadilla wood Selmer Manhattan from the 20's. Could this have been a student/intermediate model?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2007-11-17 03:19
Selmer'53 wrote:
> Even in the 20's?
Yes. There are always lower priced instruments available for students.
> Also, why would Martin have produced Selmer instruments?
Martin also produced their own clarinets, none of which have been reported to be exceptionally good. Many companies contracted out work to other companies, both in the US and Europe.
> I saw a fella's list on the net that said he owned a Czech
> grenadilla wood Selmer Manhattan from the 20's. Could this
> have been a student/intermediate model?
Sure, it could have been. Never heard of a Czech Selmer, though.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Selmer'53
Date: 2007-11-17 05:45
Thanks Mark. I've had my eye on one simply because it seems so obscure. If it's inexpensive enough, I may give it a try just for the heck of it. After an overhaul, it may be a good starter inst.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2007-11-17 16:28
I bought one of these at an auction site. The one I have is not wood.
These were being sold about the time that Selmer USA moved from New York to Elkhart. They still maintained a showroom in New York.
Interesting as a novelty, but not high quality.
I consider the Bundys to be better quality.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Molloy
Date: 2007-11-17 22:23
I've seen (at that auction website, not in my own hands) various Selmer Manhattan clarinets in wood, metal and rubber (or possibly nylon or some other plastic). I've been curious but the ones in good shape always seem to sell for just a little bit more than what I'll spend on a whim.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Selmer'53
Date: 2007-11-17 22:42
This is the only one I've come across, and it's very inexpensive. I agree that to pick one up (as with any instrument) without having played it is irrational, but for the peanuts they're asking, it'll be worth it as John O'Janpa said "as a novelty". I just wish I could get an exact date on the thing. It's interesting to me to have old, obscure stuff.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jim Allen
Date: 2023-09-10 01:10
I just purchased a Selmer Manhattan wood clarinet. It needs a good clean but in resonanly great shape. I know this thread is old but maybe more information is now available. The serial number is 5257.
Jim A
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
