SELMER PARIS "L" SERIES Bb CLARINET - TRANSITIONAL BALANCED TONE - ARTICULATED G# - 7 RINGS - DEMO VIDEO - READY TO PLAY!

About this listing

This Selmer Paris L-Series Bb clarinet is a vintage French professional instrument from Selmer’s early Balanced Tone development period, representing a transitional phase that led directly to Selmer’s later standardized Balanced Tone models.

Although this clarinet is not stamped BT, it was built during the same era when Selmer was actively refining bore geometry, tone hole placement, and mechanical layout to achieve a more even response across all registers. Many instruments from this period predate the official Balanced Tone marking, yet clearly embody the same design philosophy.

This example is especially notable for its special-order mechanical features, indicating a custom or professional-level configuration.

🪶 Features & Specs

🎵 Key: Bb, Low Pitch
🎼 Model: Selmer Paris L-Series
🕰️ Era: Early to mid 20th century (Balanced Tone development period)
🔢 Serial #: Stamped on both joints; difficult to read, appears to be L5367 or L5567
🌳 Body: Grenadilla wood, oiled inside and out
🎼 Barrel: Original Selmer Paris 66.5 mm
🎵 Bore: Balanced Tone era geometry (pre-standardized)
🪞 Keys: Nickel-plated
🪛 Pads: White kangaroo (roo) pads throughout (new)

⚙️ Special Order Features:
• Articulated C#/G# key
• Seventh left-hand pinky ring for forked Eb/Bb fingering

🎶 Playing Characteristics

🎵 Refined, even French tonal character
🎵 Smooth response across all registers
🎵 Excellent clarity and control
🎵 Special-order mechanics enhance technical facility

A strong choice for advanced players and professionals seeking an early Selmer with real historical and musical significance.

📸 Please refer to photos and demo video for sound and overall condition.

🧳 Included

🎶 Mouthpiece: Unmarked translucent reddish amber mouthpiece
  – Possibly a prototype Runyon (unmarked; not guaranteed)
🔩 Ligature: Generic ligature, no cap
🧰 Case: Older replacement hard case
  – Tray is cracked but holds the clarinet securely
  – Case should be replaced for long-term use

🪞 Condition

✨ Good condition for its age
🪶 No cracks or previously repaired cracks observed
🔍 Normal cosmetic wear consistent with age
🧰 Fully serviced, play-tested, and ready to play

⚖️ Disclaimer

💲 Buyer pays $30 toward shipping
📦 Instrument is shipped with insurance and may require a signature
🔍 All instruments are inspected and play-tested before shipping
🧰 As with all instruments sold here, it is recommended that you have it inspected by a qualified technician after shipping, as minor adjustments may be needed due to climate or handling
🎵 Additional setup work may also be desired to suit personal playing preferences
📜 Instrument is sold as-is