Selmer, Radio Improved, B Flat Clarinet
A Selmer, Radio Improved, Bb Clarinet ,which is a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. This instrument was formerly owned by a UK Jazz player. The R. I. was the first of the "modern" designs made by Selmer, with improved key work, and a bore design featuring a reverse taper cone at the top of the upper joint, and an expanding flare at the bottom of the lower joint. As the name suggests it was intended for Radio broadcasts, as it featured both improved intonation and evenness of sound. The German Silver keywork is in good condition for a clarinet dating to 1931, with only a slight patina commensurate with age and use. The matching serial numbers are L2118. The Grenadilla wood shows many surface marks and scuffs, but there are no cracks or repairs. The clarinet has very good condition tan leather pads, all are sealing well. There are 2 supplied barrels, both are by Selmer, the original barrel has a metal sleeve, which allows the barrel to be pulled, with minimum distortion to the interior bore. This was a unique design to the R. I. The other barrel is more modern, from a Selmer Series 10. The case is a Yamaha, and the m'piece is a used Vandoren 5JB.