For Sale: Rare early C. Selmer bass clarinet believed to be a model 26 and most likely made in the early 1930's or late 1920's.
This is 17 key, Boehm system, no single automatic register key. Manual double register keys. B flat instrument and lowest playable note is low E. Filled screw holes for an endpin bracket replaced by an endpin bracket soldered onto the rear of the bell bow.
Looks to have been reconditioned and set up some time in the not too distant past but not sure when. If had to guess would say the work was done in the 1990's and the clarinet was not played much after that. Cork looks to all be in good shape and pliable. Pads look to be in good shape. No apparent damage or issues. Can use a cleanup and polishing, probably a tuneup and going over- I have not cleaned this up at all.
The serial number on upper and lower sections near joints is 509. The number 1663 is stamped in the upper part. Construction is Mozambique grenadilla wood and there is no apparent damage or splitting at all. Keys, neck and bell are thought to be nickel silver. The neck has the number 3 stamped inside near cork and is adjustable- most likely the neck is a retrofit from a later date as was told the first adjustable Selmer neck came out in the early 1950's. Mouthpiece has signature Geo M Bundy on it and looks to be in good shape. The wood case shows wear but is solid, has a label inside Stone Case Co. Brooklyn NY and is probably original to the instrument as Stone made cases for Selmer around the time the clarinet was made.
May be playable as-is but ideally will be given a good going over, cleaning, tuneup, and adjustment if needed. I don't play any wind instruments but after assembling gave it a try and was able to easily play some of the notes- tone is very nice, deep, resonant as expected. Potential buyers are welcome to come check out the clarinet and take as much time as wanted playing it. You should to bring a newer reed as the one that came with it is old and shows wear.
Email for additional higher resolution photos.
Send your zip code for ship cost quote - should be between $14.99 and $36.99 if you are in the lower 48 USA. (Dec. 2018).
