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Selmer Paris Model 55

Author: caletrpt1
Date: 2007-10-18 14:04

OK, I'm one of those guys just looking for some information on a specific model of clarinet. I am a middle school band director (not a clarinetist, sorry) and have aquired a Selmer Paris 55 clarinet. I lurk on here from time to time when I am searching for solutions to particular problems I am having. I have never found much need to post any questions because I usually find the answer when I do a search of the forum. From my searches I can pretty much guess that it is from around 1945-6 (serial # is M7XXX). I am having a lot of trouble finding out any other information on it, though.

1.) Is this a pro or student clarinet?

2.) Are there particular intonation or timbre problems with this instrument?

3.) An approximate value (I have looked on the auction sites to see what they are going for but have turned up nothing in the last week).

4.) Any other information you fine people can give would be most appreciated.

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Re: Selmer Paris Model 55

Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-10-18 15:31

HI caletrpt1, Welcome - Yes, a number of us BBoarders can help in a "cl search". Quick answers, yes, all Selmer-Paris cl's are pro insts. Looking up your ser.# on www.saxmaniax.com, yes, made about 1945-6 [after WW II, liberation of Paris?]. Sax--- has some Sel history, and it appears to me it may be a Balanced Tone, others please help, my Selmers are earlier RI and later CT's. Value is in the eyes of the cl collector-player. Much luck, Don

Thanx, Mark, Don

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Re: Selmer Paris Model 55

Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-10-18 17:02

My first Selmer Bb clarinet is a transitional model between the Model 55 and Centered Tone, it's an N-series and has the two-piece speaker bush.

It came with a P-series 'Centered Tone' A clarinet, both have the 19/7 (N.6) keywork configuration which is almost full Boehm, but without the low Eb.

The Model 55 would be around the same value as a Centered Tone, and provided it's structurally sound it'll be well worth having it competely rebuilt by an experienced tech.

These are large bore clarinets (.590" or 15mm bore) and have large toneholes making them very free-blowing.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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