Selmer, Bass Clarinet to Low C
This is a superb condition Selmer Bass Clarinet in Grenadilla wood, to low C, which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. This Bass has an impressive provenance having been bought new in the early 2010s by Mark Burke, ex-Principal Clarinet at the ROH, Covent Garden. He found this Bass surplus to requirements as a Principal player, so it was bought as a spare by Tom Lessels. Tom had it overhauled on purchase, by Howarths, to put it into top playing order. However, he actually preferred his older, original Bass, so it has seen little use. The Selmer Paris Bass is considered the finest in the World due to its excellent ergonomics, fine tuning, and automatic double over-blowing vent for the second register. This Bass is the Selmer model 37, known in the UK as the Mark 3.
All Silver plated key work is in excellent condition, with only a few light scratches, the worst of which are on the bridges of the LH "pinky" keys see photo 10. There are no cracks or damage to the wood which is pristine throughout. The bell and crook are both in very good condition. The crook is sleeved and adjustable for tuning. This Bass has tan leather pads throughout, which are in excellent condition with a fine seal. The key work regulation is tight & there is no joint wobble. There are duplicate fingerings for low D, with C# and C fingered with the RH thumb keys. There is a floor peg and the matching serial nos. are M7545. The Selmer case is in an older example in used condition, with exterior scratches and some lining wear, it still latches securely. The Bass comes with a very good condition Vandoren B40 m'piece.