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- Matched Pair of L Series Selmer Clarinets, Bob Wilber Collection
Matched Pair of L Series Selmer Clarinets, Bob Wilber Collection
This is an early Selmer L series enhanced Boehm clarinet pair which belonged to the late Bob Wilber, and were his main instruments. Both clarinets feature all the refinements associated with a Full Boehm, apart from a low Eb key.
This Bb clarinet has obscured serial numbers, but it is possible that the serial number on the lower joint is LXX61, which dates to 1931-2, this would certainly fit with the ownership characteristics of Bob Wilber's collection. The clarinet has seen extensive use; there is some wear to the key work, which has been re-plated in Silver at some point. The barrel has a repaired crack, and there is unrepaired damage to the bottom of the lower joint, which is hidden when the clarinet is assembled. See photos. This clarinet demonstrates extremely fine intonation and evenness across the range. There appears to be additional tuning work also to the bore of the upper joint, or, it may be that there are repairs to internal cracks. We have just fully overhauled in finest Pisoni fish skin pads, and the clarinet is sold with our full 1 year warranty.
The A clarinet has serial numbers, L1730, which dates to 1931. The clarinet has also seen much use. Like his friend, and mentor, Benny Goodman, Bob Wilber played much classical clarinet repertoire for som eof which he needed this A. Again this clarinet demonstrates extremely fine intonation and evenness across the range. There appears to be additional tuning work also to the second supplied barrel, which is of more modern Selmer type but has been adapted to tune this pair. We have just fully overhauled in finest Pisoni fish skin pads, and the clarinet is sold with our full 1 year warranty.
The supplied case is a custom Bob Wilber model, with his signature on a Brass plate, it shows much wear to the interior lining. NB. The Vandoren crystal A3 m'piece is supplied with this pair is Bob Wilber's own preferred favourite mouthpiece, it will not be sold separately. The last owner of this pair is a UK based collector who has taken exemplary care of these fine desirable instruments Below are some links to Bob Wilber playing clarinet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moQTFi5ayXo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdTJrUPVJ5A (With Bobby Hackett in 1962)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrYFhkqR0xo (With Bobby Hackett in 1962)