Info needed for selmer bass clarinet

[PeteTheSweet]

Info needed!
Came across this Selmer bass clarinet.
Serial R378.
Mouthpiece has c* on the table in oval.

Any info about this instrument would be appreciated.
Is this something worth to get serviced and is there any value in this set?
Will post more pics if needed.
I’m a tenor sax player with zero knowledge in clarinets.
Thanks!

 

[pete]

Selmer C* mouthpiece is kind of a standard pro model. There are C* sax mouthpieces, as well.

Generally, harmony instruments (alto clarinet, bass clarinet, Eb soprano, etc.) use a different serial number chart than their main-line siblings. So, @Steve can correct me, but going off the normal serial number chart, around 1958. It's a wooden pro model with a keyed range down to low Eb -- some basses go down to the C below Eb.

Provided that there aren't any significant cracks or pins, there's no reason not to get it fixed. A new Selmer student bass is $2700. Get a person who does play bass clarinet try the horn and see what they say.

Note that this is a Selmer Paris horn, not a Selmer USA horn, which is good. The mouthpiece, provided it's not cracked and doesn't have deep gouges on the inside, also adds value/can be valued separately. You should clean the mouthpiece with soap and warm water. Not rubbing alcohol. Make sure to store the horn in a cool place without too much or too little humidity. We could talk about bore oil, but that's too lengthy for one sentence.

Final thing. If the horn or case smells moldy, get a new case and put the horn in it after all other repairs are done.

 

[PeteTheSweet]

Selmer C* mouthpiece is kind of a standard pro model. There are C* sax mouthpieces, as well.

Generally, harmony instruments (alto clarinet, bass clarinet, Eb soprano, etc.) use a different serial number chart than their main-line siblings. So, @Steve can correct me, but going off the normal serial number chart, around 1958. It's a wooden pro model with a keyed range down to low Eb -- some basses go down to the C below Eb.

Provided that there aren't any significant cracks or pins, there's no reason not to get it fixed. A new Selmer student bass is $2700. Get a person who does play bass clarinet try the horn and see what they say.

Note that this is a Selmer Paris horn, not a Selmer USA horn, which is good. The mouthpiece, provided it's not cracked and doesn't have deep gouges on the inside, also adds value/can be valued separately. You should clean the mouthpiece with soap and warm water. Not rubbing alcohol. Make sure to store the horn in a cool place without too much or too little humidity. We could talk about bore oil, but that's too lengthy for one sentence.

Final thing. If the horn or case smells moldy, get a new case and put the horn in it after all other repairs are done.

Thank you for taking the time to answer and for all the info! All that is very helpful to me.
-Pete

 

[pete]

No problem. I like to share whatever knowledge I can.

 

[gmsb1]

Get it overhauled. Should be excellent as long as no breaks. Selmer Paris Bass Clarinets are wonderful instruments and you will be happy with the results if you find a good technician to replace pads, corks and polish. It will be as good as new. Good Luck.