Selmer, Paris, Alto Clarinet
This is an ultra rare, very fine condition, Selmer Paris Alto clarinet to low E, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. This model was briefly in production in the 1950s and features an automatic double overblowing vent, as is normal on Selmer saxophones, and, like a saxophone, the upper vent opens for the higher part of the 2nd register, i.e. from high A onwards. We have only seen open holed variants of this mechanism before, and this is the only plateau [covered hole] version of this design by Selmer that we have ever sold. Needless to state this design results in superior intonation and evenness in the upper register, such a pity that subsequently Selmer simplified their design, and this option is no longer available. The sleeved, adjustable, crook is in excellent condition. The bell is in good condition with only some slight flattening to the base, see photo 8. The wood is in very good condition, with no cracks or repairs, though there are some minor surface marks and scratches. The Alto has fish skin and cork pads throughout in good condition. This is a superb Alto; Selmer is generally held to be the finest manufacturer in the world. The matching serial nos. are P7332 which dates to 1954. The case is a modern example in very good condition. The m'piece is a used Selmer C*. The current list price for a modern Selmer Alto is £8545.