 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: beadgcf
Date: 2013-10-27 03:24
Hi all--I've been lurking off and on for probably over a decade, and this is my first post.
I am a freelance clarinetist and I have the opportunity to buy what looks to be an vintage Selmer "Depose" bass clarinet. Keywork looks worn, it has the low Eb key, and no side Eb/Ab key. I am guessing it would need a complete overhaul, and I am trying to decide if the purchase is worthwhile.
I am confused because the serial number reads F2XXX. I can't find anything to give me an idea of the age of the horn, nor do I see any Selmer serial numbers that start with F.
Any ideas?
Thanks for your help.
Board-Certified Music Therapist
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Author: Ralph
Date: 2013-10-27 12:39
Go to the Selmer clarinet Facebook page and log in (assuming you have a Facebook account). They have an area where you can post questions such as this. The Selmer clarinet page can be accessed from the Henri Selmer website.
Ralph
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2013-10-27 17:02
Make sure the screws aren't rusted in to determine how easy the bass clarinet can be stripped and restored, it's impossible to repad an instrument if you can't take off the keys. Also check for cracks, chips, etc...
Post Edited (2017-05-27 04:19)
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Author: DougR
Date: 2013-10-27 17:06
Thanks, Ralph, I didn't know there was such a thing--seems like a specific question on the Facebook question post will indeed get answered (and with a serial number question, I'd go there in a heartbeat).
I have a Series 9 bass, low Eb, and haven't played much else in the bass clarinet realm, so wouldn't be too helpful other than to say my horn LOOKS like Selmer basses up through the model 37, and my horn sure has its quirks (as well as a gorgeous, robust sound).
As to whether the horn in question is worth investing time and money in, I couldn't tell you. I assume you're trying to get an idea of what the quality of that instrument is, in a universe of other options including the various Chinese low-C models, the Yamaha, Vito and Selmer student models, etc. Maybe someone else on the board can help with that--and researching the board archives would be useful too, using search criteria like "bass clarinet tuning", "old Selmer basses," "budget bass clarinet," etc etc etc.
Sorry not to be more helpful--good luck! (And if you find a useful cache of bass clarinet knowledge, esp. involving Selmer or Buffet basses, please let me know!)
Doug R
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2013-10-27 17:41
Older Selmer Paris bass clarinets are desirable and in demand. The one you found is definitely worth trying, but I wouldn't buy any old clarinet without playing it and checking for cracks, intonation problems and keywork problems (particularly the register mechanism). If the seller wants the purchase price up front, you must get a written agreement that you can return it within a few weeks for any reason or for no reason. There are escrow services that hold your money for that period and release it to the seller if you don't return the instrument.
Unfortunately, all the date lists begin at L1000. I've looked for years for a date list for F series Selmers, without success.
You should go to the Yahoo New Bass Clarinet board and ask there http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/NewBassClarinetGroup/info. You must join, but it's free and they accept anyone who's interested in the bass.
Ken Shaw
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Author: DougR
Date: 2013-10-27 18:50
Oh, and speaking of cracks: if the horn's lower joint has an upper ring that's tightened with a screw, and also carries the post for the left-hand lever keys, check for filled cracks in the socket walls above the right-hand thumb rest. If the tension screw on the ring gets loose, or the wood shrinks in the lower joint, or both, the pressure exerted by inserting the upper joint into the lower joint can split the socket (my s9 bass has an old, filled crack from just that).
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Author: beadgcf
Date: 2013-10-28 03:47
Thanks for the advice! I am nervous because it is an auction and I would not have the opportunity to try it, yet it could be a great deal.
My husband pointed out that I have had to turn gigs down because I don't have a bass, so it would eventually pay for itself. On the other hand, if there were pitch issues, all the repair work in the world wouldn't help!
Decisions, decisions...I am thinking that merely the "guts" from a pro Selmer are worthwhile though.
Board-Certified Music Therapist
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2013-10-28 08:37
If it's about not having to turn down a gig, not all is lost if you don't win that specific Selmer...
Some might disagree, but from own experience even a venerable old Bundy bass may well be good enough - they're well in tune, and there's nothing to bemoan sound-wise. The potential bad rap they may have is that most of them circulating today are beat-up school instruments in poor condition. But once in proper repair and equipped with a fine mouthpiece, they're solid instruments.
But for now, let's hope you win that Selmer. :-)
--
Ben
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2013-10-28 13:56
>I have the opportunity to buy what looks to be an vintage Selmer "Depose" bass clarinet. >
Please forgive me if you already know this, but just to make sure people understand: The word "Deposé" will appear on many clarinets manufactured in France. It's not a model name. It's the equivalent of the English meaning "Trademarked" and means that the company brand name, Selmer, is protected by law so that nobody else can use it. (In other circumstances "Deposé" can also mean "Patented.")
That's why the companies that make fake Selmers often put sneaky labels on them. At flea markets, I've seen junky plastic soprano clarinets labelled "Selner" and "Semler," for instance. When buying online, always make sure you can read the trade name clearly to make sure you don't get stuck with something like that. Same with Buffet -- beware of "Baffet" and "Bufet" and "Boufet" and "Boffet" and "Buffett"among others! The company executives apparently think they can get away with claiming innocent intent if taken to court, because technically they didn't put a fraudulent brand name on their wares.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
Post Edited (2013-10-28 16:01)
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2013-10-28 17:56
I have a vintage bass.... Selmer P8765 It is very nice. great sound. I might be leery of a Selmer marked F maybe too old.....
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: Ralph
Date: 2013-10-28 19:01
Actually the F serial number instruments were probably manufactured in the 80s/90s time frame.
Ralph
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2013-10-28 19:13
Ralph -
Is there a link for information on the F serial numbers?
Ken Shaw
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Author: beadgcf
Date: 2013-10-29 02:09
I would wonder the same thing Ralph, just based on looks, I'd guess it's from the 50's.
I am the high bidder at $601 at the moment. I may live to regret this. 
I figure it will be at least another $500-600 in repairs, another expensive mouthpiece, and *hopefully* I would have a working clarinet.
Right?
For years, my back up A clarinet was a 80 year old Selmer, and I had a lot of respect for it!
Board-Certified Music Therapist
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Author: beadgcf
Date: 2013-10-29 02:15
Grr...it went up $100 in the last 15 seconds and I lost it!
For the curious, here is (was) the clarinet.
http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?itemID=14525402
Board-Certified Music Therapist
Post Edited (2013-10-29 02:15)
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Author: Ralph
Date: 2013-10-29 02:31
I'm not aware of any lists that date the manufacture of Selmer clarinets in the C, D, E, F serial number range. I have seem a few Prologues and 10SIIs on auction sites with F serial numbers. Those instruments were made in the late 80s into the early 90s.
Ralph
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Author: DougR
Date: 2013-10-30 19:34
For what it's worth, the horn LOOKS identical to my Series 9 bass (except the low Eb hole is on the opposite side from mine). The case is also identical, the same brown keratol (or whatever the stuff was called) and similar internal arrangement. The peg fitting appears to have been added later, as mine was (it didn't have a peg when I got it). I paid $2500 for mine, in 1992, which was possibly high, but I've never regretted the purchase. (When was the last time you saw a Series 9 bass for sale?)
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2013-10-31 02:47
I'd be very leary of buying any instrument that old without trying it. I'd be leary of buying a new one without trying it for that matter. Many of those old bass clarinets, all brands, are very out of tune. You might get a great price and never be able to play it on the job. Or you would never be hired again. Think about it.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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