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Selmer serial numbers - change per 2020?

Author: Luuk ★2017
Date: 2020-08-31 18:38

Hi all,

Last year I bought a new Selmer Signature. The serial numbers are nicely engraved at the back of upper and lower joint, and above each number the tuning frequency is shown (442).

Now, my wife has recently bought the same model. On her instrument, the '442' is not present, but at the same location (just above the serial numbers) the code 'AA' is engraved. This AA is also present on the bell and both barrels.

I asked the dealer if he could explain this, and he told me that Selmer has started engraving a year code on all parts, starting with AA for 2020. In 2021 it will be AB (supposedly).

Has anyone else seen or heard this?

Regards,

Luuk
Philips Symphonic Band
The Netherlands

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Re: Selmer serial numbers - change per 2020?

Author: Luuk ★2017
Date: 2020-09-01 14:16

Hi again,

Suggested by Johan Nilsson (member of this board - thank you, Johan!) I contacted Mr.Doublon from Selmer. He sent me the following explanation:

Before 2020, the Signature model were manufactured in 440 or in 442 pitch and we engraved the pitch number to differentiate each model.

Now, the Signature is only manufactured in 442 so we decided to not engrave anymore the pitch.

The AA engraving is due to the CITES traceability process. It’s just an internal mark to identify each original wood lot according to the international Customs rules. You should find the same engraving on each part of the clarinet (barrels, upper part, lower part, bell). Each manufacturer was free to use his own mark system but the main purpose is to be able to say when the wood lot was imported by the supplier, bought by the manufacturer, manufactured, invoiced, etc etc…

It was a big challenge for all Wood instrument manufacturer, a very heavy process for a very small market, and now the Cites process is retired but we should keep this system of mark.

This explains it all. Thanks again to Johan, and of course to mr. Doublon.

Regards,

Luuk
Philips Symphonic Band
The Netherlands

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