The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

60s(ish) Selmer Eb clarinet identification

Author: AaronHB
Date: 2017-12-14 20:59

Hi all,

I've just obtained a Selmer Eb clarinet probably from the 60s, which plays really well, but is proving really awkward to identify properly. It doesn't have a model name stamped on it, but does have a few features of the full Boehm instruments being made at that time, such as the articulated C#/G# and the 3rd left hand ring.

The serial number is only three digits long and is located beside the rods that the left hand keywork pivots from. I've already contacted Selmer about it, but they claim not to recognise the number.

I've had a few possibilities suggested to me:

1) It's not a genuine Selmer.
I don't think this is the case - it feels a lot like a Selmer to play, it's got the distinctive sound of a Selmer, the keywork is of Selmer's design and so on. I see no reason other than the odd serial number to support this.

2) It was a prototype model that wasn't necessarily meant for the market.
I suppose this might explain the serial number, which may in fact just be a reference number for the guys in the workshops. It might also explain why the number is in such an odd place, and why it has some but not all of the full Boehm keywork.

3) Selmer have lost their records for this particular range of serial numbers.
We all know it happens to all of the major manufacturers from time to time. I suppose this is plausible, but doesn't help me very much.

4) It was custom made to a unique order and so wasn't assigned a serial number from their standard line.
This also seems plausible, but unlikely. The odds of picking up a unique instrument by random chance seem low given that there must be far more 'standard' production instruments around.

I'm out of ideas. It's a great little instrument with a wonderful tone and surprisingly accurate tuning even by the standards of modern instruments, and it's quite frustrating for it to carry such a secretive past! I'm currently having it repadded, but will put up some pictures when I get it back in a few days.

Has anyone else seen a similar instrument, or would be able to offer any insights on what might really have been going on when it was made?

Thanks a lot,
Aaron

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics