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musical instrument details
1954 MINT SELMER CENTERED TONE Bb CLARINET–ALL NEW PADS/CORKS, SOUNDS FANTASTIC!
Estimated price for orientation: 1 500 $
Category: Clarinets
Class:
Description Brand: Selmer Paris Type: Bb Soprano Design: Boehm System Body Material: Wood MPN: Does Not Apply Skill Level: Professional Key: Bb Country/Region of Manufacture: France UPC: Does not apply
For sale: a beautifully restored vintage French-made Selmer Centered Tone professional Bb wood clarinet. Both joints are stamped with the same serial number P80XX, which indicates the year of manufacture to be 1954. This model was the top of the line professional clarinet offered by Selmer Paris since 1952. This highly sought after model was a pinnacle of Selmer's "Jazz" clarinet made famous by Benny Goodman, who used it extensively. There are several reasons why Centered Tone is such a popular model even to this day. First of all the design: with the combination of the large diameter bore and large toneholes, these clarinets are extremely free blowing, allowing the player to put as much air as they want, with the mouthpiece being the point of resistance. As a result, the projection on these horns is outstanding, which gives the player a great advantage in the situation when you need to be heard (e.g. a jazz band, concert band). Then there is Selmer’s excellent key mechanism – very tight, stable and solid as a rock. But perhaps what’s most important is that these clarinets have a wonderful full, deep, woody tone, with all notes being clear from top to bottom – including the upper register through altissimo. Centered Tone model is perceived as mostly a jazz clarinet, but the reality is that this is a very flexible instrument, with a wide range in tone and is perfectly suitable for a variety of playing styles. Another reason why the vintage pro-level Selmer clarinets are coveted and sought after by the players is the quality of the grenadilla wood these instruments were made of: the wood was allowed to air dry for 20 years or more to ensure that the clarinet won’t crack and was of the finest grade, very hard, dense and naturally dark with the lovely play of color to it. The superb quality of wood and exceptional craftsmanship is not something you will find easily with the modern horns and certainly not in this price range. The clarinet was just completely overhauled using the highest quality materials available (“Artist grade” overhaul) to achieve longest life, a perfect seal and the best sound reflection: premium American-made Prestini white kid leather pads on the bottom joint, Valentino Masters Series synthetic pads on the top joint (these pads are specifically designed for professional instruments and are a considerable improvement over even the best double bladder pads) and highest grade all natural cork. The overhaul included: Clarinet taken apart, body cleaned, sanitized and treated with all natural Grenadilla oil, then waxed and polished to bring out the beauty of the wood Tone holes resurfaced as needed to ensure a perfect seal All keys and rods cleaned and hand polished, key pivots and hinge tubes straightened, cleaned and lubricated All new Valentino Masters Series synthetic pads and kid leather pads installed Tenon corks and key bumpers replaced with high-grade natural cork Key cups centered and leveled The keys swedged and adjusted to ensure smooth, tight fit between posts and on rods The springs replaced as needed and adjusted for a light, balanced playing touch The gilding on the logos restored After the overhaul, the instrument was fine-tuned and adjusted to perform its absolute best and thoroughly play tested in all keys. It plays great, with an accurate intonation and resonant response. The instrument has a full, dark, woody Selmer sound, with fantastic projection that can really fill the room. The keywork is solid and the action is very tight – it obviously is built-to-last. I think it is probably one of the most versatile clarinets I’ve tried: suitable for most orchestral and band settings, but would especially be great for jazz playing, pit orchestra, and perfect for woodwind doubling. This horn is extremely easy to play and sounds terrific – it is a doubler’s dream, it doesn’t get much better than this. The cosmetic condition is as close to MINT as possible in an instrument of this vintage – it appears that it has seen very little playtime. The wood is very dark and rich, with a lovely play of color to it. There are no visible scratches on the body or keys. The plating on the keys rings and posts is completely intact. Please refer to the pictures for the additional details about cosmetic condition. The instrument has no cracks or the history of cracks anywhere. Here is what is included with the clarinet: New carry-all case, very roomy – has space for everything New Vandoren Masters CL5 mouthpiece set, including M/O silver plated ligature and cap ($150 retail value) New cork grease New 100% silk pull through swab One sealed Vandoren reed The instrument will be packaged with great care – I pack all my instruments with extreme caution to ensure that you will receive it in ‘play out of the box’ condition. I offer economy shipping within continental US, international buyers are welcome, but please contact me for the shipping quote first. You will only be charged for the actual cost of shipping, I don't try to make money on shipping charges. Please note that I always insure the instruments for the full value, which increases the overall cost of shipping. International buyers: please be aware that you are responsible for all customs duties and taxes that may be applicable. Also, please do not ask me to declare a smaller value or claim it as a “gift” on the custom’s forms – it is considered fraudulent by US laws. Please take note that the full payment is required within 24 hours of your purchase, otherwise the transaction will be cancelled and the item re-listed. I usually ship within 24 hours of receiving a cleared payment. I accept returns within 14 days if you are not fully satisfied with this beautiful instrument, so buy with confidence: I want you to be perfectly happy with your purchase. If you wish to return it, please contact me as soon as possible and let me know. Important! Please don’t use the provided accessories until you are sure that you want to keep the instrument. If the instrument is returned and the accessories were used, I will subtract their market price from the refund, since I will have to replace them. The buyer pays for return shipment and the horn must be in the same condition, as you will receive it – meaning no damage/flaws to the instrument, other than that documented in the pictures and description above. Your satisfaction is extremely important to me, so please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase and I'm sure we will be able to resolve them to your complete satisfaction. About me: I'm a professional woodwinds player/music educator and have been playing clarinet, flute and saxophones for years. I work with a certified master repairman with 30+ years of experience and I only sell the instruments of the top brands adjusted to play their absolute best and that’s why I can say that my clarinets play better than new. I stand by my instruments - I only sell what I would have purchased for myself or would recommend to my students. I strive to provide a stellar customer service to every buyer, so buy from me and be assured that you are getting a great deal on the top quality instrument – or your money back!
Description
| Brand: | Selmer Paris | Type: | Bb Soprano |
| Design: | Boehm System | Body Material: | Wood |
| MPN: | Does Not Apply | Skill Level: | Professional |
| Key: | Bb | Country/Region of Manufacture: | France |
| UPC: | Does not apply |
For sale: a beautifully restored vintage French-made Selmer Centered Tone professional Bb wood clarinet. Both joints are stamped with the same serial number P80XX, which indicates the year of manufacture to be 1954. This model was the top of the line professional clarinet offered by Selmer Paris since 1952. This highly sought after model was a pinnacle of Selmer's "Jazz" clarinet made famous by Benny Goodman, who used it extensively. There are several reasons why Centered Tone is such a popular model even to this day. First of all the design: with the combination of the large diameter bore and large toneholes, these clarinets are extremely free blowing, allowing the player to put as much air as they want, with the mouthpiece being the point of resistance. As a result, the projection on these horns is outstanding, which gives the player a great advantage in the situation when you need to be heard (e.g. a jazz band, concert band). Then there is Selmer’s excellent key mechanism – very tight, stable and solid as a rock. But perhaps what’s most important is that these clarinets have a wonderful full, deep, woody tone, with all notes being clear from top to bottom – including the upper register through altissimo. Centered Tone model is perceived as mostly a jazz clarinet, but the reality is that this is a very flexible instrument, with a wide range in tone and is perfectly suitable for a variety of playing styles. Another reason why the vintage pro-level Selmer clarinets are coveted and sought after by the players is the quality of the grenadilla wood these instruments were made of: the wood was allowed to air dry for 20 years or more to ensure that the clarinet won’t crack and was of the finest grade, very hard, dense and naturally dark with the lovely play of color to it. The superb quality of wood and exceptional craftsmanship is not something you will find easily with the modern horns and certainly not in this price range. The clarinet was just completely overhauled using the highest quality materials available (“Artist grade” overhaul) to achieve longest life, a perfect seal and the best sound reflection: premium American-made Prestini white kid leather pads on the bottom joint, Valentino Masters Series synthetic pads on the top joint (these pads are specifically designed for professional instruments and are a considerable improvement over even the best double bladder pads) and highest grade all natural cork. The overhaul included: Clarinet taken apart, body cleaned, sanitized and treated with all natural Grenadilla oil, then waxed and polished to bring out the beauty of the wood Tone holes resurfaced as needed to ensure a perfect seal All keys and rods cleaned and hand polished, key pivots and hinge tubes straightened, cleaned and lubricated All new Valentino Masters Series synthetic pads and kid leather pads installed Tenon corks and key bumpers replaced with high-grade natural cork Key cups centered and leveled The keys swedged and adjusted to ensure smooth, tight fit between posts and on rods The springs replaced as needed and adjusted for a light, balanced playing touch The gilding on the logos restored After the overhaul, the instrument was fine-tuned and adjusted to perform its absolute best and thoroughly play tested in all keys. It plays great, with an accurate intonation and resonant response. The instrument has a full, dark, woody Selmer sound, with fantastic projection that can really fill the room. The keywork is solid and the action is very tight – it obviously is built-to-last. I think it is probably one of the most versatile clarinets I’ve tried: suitable for most orchestral and band settings, but would especially be great for jazz playing, pit orchestra, and perfect for woodwind doubling. This horn is extremely easy to play and sounds terrific – it is a doubler’s dream, it doesn’t get much better than this. The cosmetic condition is as close to MINT as possible in an instrument of this vintage – it appears that it has seen very little playtime. The wood is very dark and rich, with a lovely play of color to it. There are no visible scratches on the body or keys. The plating on the keys rings and posts is completely intact. Please refer to the pictures for the additional details about cosmetic condition. The instrument has no cracks or the history of cracks anywhere. Here is what is included with the clarinet: New carry-all case, very roomy – has space for everything New Vandoren Masters CL5 mouthpiece set, including M/O silver plated ligature and cap ($150 retail value) New cork grease New 100% silk pull through swab One sealed Vandoren reed The instrument will be packaged with great care – I pack all my instruments with extreme caution to ensure that you will receive it in ‘play out of the box’ condition. I offer economy shipping within continental US, international buyers are welcome, but please contact me for the shipping quote first. You will only be charged for the actual cost of shipping, I don't try to make money on shipping charges. Please note that I always insure the instruments for the full value, which increases the overall cost of shipping. International buyers: please be aware that you are responsible for all customs duties and taxes that may be applicable. Also, please do not ask me to declare a smaller value or claim it as a “gift” on the custom’s forms – it is considered fraudulent by US laws. Please take note that the full payment is required within 24 hours of your purchase, otherwise the transaction will be cancelled and the item re-listed. I usually ship within 24 hours of receiving a cleared payment. I accept returns within 14 days if you are not fully satisfied with this beautiful instrument, so buy with confidence: I want you to be perfectly happy with your purchase. If you wish to return it, please contact me as soon as possible and let me know. Important! Please don’t use the provided accessories until you are sure that you want to keep the instrument. If the instrument is returned and the accessories were used, I will subtract their market price from the refund, since I will have to replace them. The buyer pays for return shipment and the horn must be in the same condition, as you will receive it – meaning no damage/flaws to the instrument, other than that documented in the pictures and description above. Your satisfaction is extremely important to me, so please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase and I'm sure we will be able to resolve them to your complete satisfaction. About me: I'm a professional woodwinds player/music educator and have been playing clarinet, flute and saxophones for years. I work with a certified master repairman with 30+ years of experience and I only sell the instruments of the top brands adjusted to play their absolute best and that’s why I can say that my clarinets play better than new. I stand by my instruments - I only sell what I would have purchased for myself or would recommend to my students. I strive to provide a stellar customer service to every buyer, so buy from me and be assured that you are getting a great deal on the top quality instrument – or your money back!