 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Claude
Date: 2022-05-10 18:14
I bought a Selmer USA CL300. It's in great condition, new pads, no leaks, nothing broken. It plays very, very nicely. I know it's a student model. I'm a very new beginner so it's good for me. I've researched all over the Net. Selmer-Conn.com, Sneezy.org, Woodwindforum.com says, "Selmer USA information is sketchy at best."
My serial number is: 1198
I can't find what "Series" a CL300 is. Serial numbers close are: My serial number does not have a letter. HowOld page has: U Series- 1966 U1100, V Series-1967 V1000, Y Series- 1974 Y1200, Z Series1976- Z1100 and A Series- 1978 to date A 1000.
Here are pics: http://paxnow.com/clarinet/
Claude
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2022-05-10 18:23
What you've got is essentially a Selmer Bundy which is the entry level plastic clarinet made by Selmer USA. They were also stencilled as Buescher Aristocrat, B&H "78" and several other names for other companies.
I'm surprised at the relatively low serial number as Bundy serial numbers were into the millions in the '80s. Maybe they ditched the first three digits to save room on them at some point.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: m1964
Date: 2022-05-11 00:15
It is probably not important how old the clarinet is, more important is the condition it is in.
A plastic student clarinet, unlike a professional wooden instrument, is unlikely to be "blown out" or have damage from water or frequent swabbing.
I would not worry about its age if it plays well (for a plastic student clarinet).
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2022-05-11 00:50
I have to agree with m1964. When looking for a high quality professional clarinet the era it was made can impact its value both to collectors and players. But for a CL300 I wouldn't even worry about it. Most manufacturers couldn't care less about vintage instruments and official serial number lists are rare and often incomplete at the best of times. As far as I know there are no Selmer USA lists for clarinet, and while it is sometimes possible to piece together information to get a date it's just not worth the effort for such an instrument. Just enjoy it for what it is regardless of when it was made.
-JDbassplayer
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Author: Claude
Date: 2022-05-11 03:32
Thanks Chris P. The serial number will have to remain an oddity and mystery, LOL.
Claude
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Author: Claude
Date: 2022-05-11 03:35
Thanks m1964. It’s condition very, very good according to the Tech at my music store. Good to know about unlikely to be damaged, as you said. It plays great for me, but that’s a very newbie assessment.
Claude
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Author: Claude
Date: 2022-05-11 03:38
Thanks jdbassplayer. You all have assured me not to worry, so I’m not going to. I am enjoying it, it makes a nice sound and the Tech said it’s in great condition, so I’m just going to keep practicing.
Claude
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2022-05-11 20:38
Indeed, play and enjoy it. When this clarinet was introduced in 1948 as the Bundy 1400, it was intended for players of all skill levels who wanted or needed an alternative to the metal and hard rubber instruments of the time. It was not a cheap clarinet, either--there were contemporary entry-level wooden instruments with list prices lower than that of the Bundy, and this was true throughout the 1950s.
I once had a 1950s Bundy here in my studio, and after proper setup, I found it to be quite likeable, with a very nice tone. The moulded bore on my particular Bundy collected a lot of moisture, however, and I had to frequently swab it out during rehearsals and performances--that's why I no longer own it.
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Author: Claude
Date: 2022-05-13 18:18
Thanks Ursa. My CL300 is in really great shape according to my tech. I’ve not had any moisture issues so far. Your reply is much appreciated.
Claude
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2022-05-13 23:48
With all apologies, I have to correct some inaccurate information posted above. The CL300 is not based on the 1948 Bundy 1400, but shares its acoustic design and .573 bore with the wooden Selmer CL200 and CL210, which were designed decades after the Bundy 1400.
It also features a bore that is machined, rather than moulded. It's been my experience that plastic and ebonite clarinets with machined bores do a much better job facilitating the drainage of moisture from the instrument.
In other words...you have a very decent instrument that should approach modern standards of performance. It will get even better over time as you take it in for its annual service and have intonation adjustments made as well as keywork adjustments to accommodate your personal preferences for spring tensions and touchpiece location. Play and enjoy!
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