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Re: Selmer HS** and Legere European

Author: fskelley
Date: 2017-03-10 06:01

Play gets better and better. I'm no longer concerned about tuning or stability- I've adjusted to the new normal.

I briefly worked with an N series 1951 (!) Centered Tone, playable but sorely in need of a repad, and sent it back to seller. It didn't play with the HS** any better than my Arioso, really it was OK but nothing magic. I also tried the old Selmer barrel on my Arioso with the HS**, again OK but not as good as what I have. And anyway I'm already moving back to pure musical issues (what I play) instead of technical issues (how to play it), what joy.

Just so I'd know, I did some bore measurements before packing up that CT that make me wonder if it's really a CT. 14.85 mm at top of top joint is pretty much the same as my Arioso, a real CT should be 15.0 or more. Selmer was playing with the designs and model designations in 1951 and may not have yet tried or settled on the "big bore". 1954 was when the CT was formally introduced with much brouhaha. (I know some of you are CT experts- please correct- nicely- anything I've misstated). Just a caution not all old clarinets are what they seem. So maybe one day I will audition a more authentic CT and be blown away. I can wait.

I also checked the exit diameter of the HS** mouthpiece, it's about the same 14.8 mm, so no reason to be that worried about the barrel. One day I will sit down with Brad Behn or other mp/barrel expert and may well get a little magic and a moment of "why did I wait so long?". But for now I am good. Back to the music.

Stan in Orlando

EWI 4000S with modifications

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