Selmer, Paris, Plateau B Flat Clarinet
An ultra rare plateau Selmer Bb clarinet, so rare in fact, that this is the only example that Clarinets Direct has ever seen. This clarinet was part of a top, London based, UK professional's large collection. The matching serial numbers are K9122, this fact, and the presence of the modern Selmer logo, date the clarinet, most probably, to 1930.
The keywork design is excellent, superior to the plateau key work designs of Leblanc. Many adjusting screws are incorporated, allowing for optimum venting and regulation. This results in fine response and tuning which make this clarinet perfect for a professional player with arthritis or other fingering problems.
The pads are fish skin, all in excellent condition. The German Silver key work is also pristine throughout, with no wear. This clarinet has been down to our workshop for a check down and regulation prior to sale. There is an old tenon repair to the upper tenon of the lower joint, see photos 2 & 3. There are no cracks or damage to the main pieces, but the barrel, which is not original, but from a later Selmer, has a pinned and glued crack repair, see photo 14. The bell is also not original, but from a later Centered Tone model. However, both the barrel and bell have been carefully chosen to optimise the tuning and response, which is very fine. The case is a compact BAM, and the m'piece a used Selmer C85 120 in good condition.