Selmer, Paris, Bass Clarinet to low C
This is a very good condition Selmer Bass Clarinet in Grenadilla wood, to low C. The last owner of the fine Bass was an amateur who has taken fine care of it. It has excellent condition tamn leather pads throughout. The first professional owner of this Bass had it extended [the work was done by John Breda] by means of a detachable third joint, to low C. Thus the instrument is similar to the type known as the Mark I Selmer, to low C, or the original type 33. There are 3 touchpieces on the rear underneath the RH thumb to play low D, Db, and C. Thus the instrument can be assembled, with the extension, to play down to low C, or, as originally made, to play only down to low Eb. It has been maintained very carefully. The Nickel plate keywork throughout shows some wear and tarnish mainly to the ring finger touchpieces. There is one old, repaired crack, which probably ocurred when the marching band lyre attachment was removed, see photos 6 & 7. The crack fortunately runs through one of the screw holes for the marching band lyre, it is a surface crack and nowhere near a tone hole, it does not enter the bore and has no effect on the response. The crack has been glued and pinned, and it has been stable for over 50 years, and this with regular professional use. The matching serial nos. are V7194, dating to 1968. . The key regulation throughout is also precise and even. The case is an original Selmer, in good used condition, there is some wear to the interior and scuffs to the exterior. It still latches well. The m'piece is a Selmer C85 120 in good used condition. This Bass plays very well, even throughout the entire range, with fine response in the upper register. It would make an excellent instrument for a professional on a budget or enthusiastic amateur.