From New York’s “big bore” experts:  Offered here is a beautiful vintage "world-class" Selmer Series 9 in B-flat in silver.  SN: S8490 circa 1962.  This rare version features the coveted articulated G#/C# system.  It is an extremely wonderful find and we decided to have the keys and rings plated in silver by Anderson Silver Plating in Elkhart, Indiana.  It comes with an ideally matched, new, handcrafted David Hite mouthpiece with a quality new Luyben ligature and a one year warranty on workmanship.

ALSO NOTE:  The top joint had previously been scratched with what looks like a pair of pliers removing a stuck barrel.  The scratch marks have been filled in and smoothed over with a hard quality wood surfacer.  It was then stained to match the original wood finish.  Look closely at the first and second photos at the very top of the upper joint.  You may be able to detect that the surface is a little shinier than the untreated wood.  Since it has no effect on the clarinet's performance, we had decided to restore the rest of the instrument to the highest degree and warrant the workmanship for a full year.

The original Selmer barrel is included which plays nicely at A-441.  Additionally we have included a special 3D printed longer barrel by Pereria 3D which has been bored for the optimum intonation and tonal quality needed for this larger bore instrument at A-440Hz.

You can audition the Selmer Series 9 on these YouTube offerings:  (Ebay does not allow for superior audio quality in their videos)

With this clarinet’s added mechanism, the chalumeau C# and clarion G# have been placed in the lower joint.  Here, one can visually see that it is indeed between the adjacent diatonic tones and it is the correct size and location for optimum performance.  It also includes the RH trill option for increased “articulation”.  

Curiously: Selmer, over the years, has specialized in “custom” versions such as this one or versions with the LH A-flat/E-flat key and Full Boehm clarinets which reach down to the low E-flat.  Their expertise in this area has been consistently impressive.

Usually one will see Series 9s listed as "Professional" and "Very Rare"; however, it is easy to find several for sale at any given time ranging between $400 to $1,400 in various degrees of questionable condition. Many look battle-torn with both wood and keys neglected and sold from unfocused or dark photos and a "no return policy” or warranty: This certainly may be from long storage periods without required maintenance. This one has had a complete restoration and was not an instrument found in the attic which needs to be sold quickly.

This clarinet was found to be well cared for overall which allowed for an exceptional restoration.  The key-work is firm and responsive; the tenons are tight; the wood has been properly conditioned with pads and tenon corks new.  The Hite mouthpiece was chosen (from many fine options) for its unbelievable performance match.  With this mouthpiece we were able to focus each pad-height and tone hole size to achieve an amazing clarity of sound and intonation to within 4 cents over the primary 2 1/2 octave range.  Other top restorers have mentioned to me that a 10 cent variance is acceptable: Your performing partners may not agree.  This is the perfect clarinet value for an advancing student or an adult playing in a community orchestra or band. Even a high level professional may seek-out such an instrument for its unique charms.  Another mouthpiece could very well be used and if, during the trial period, you choose not to keep the mouthpiece, simply return it and we will refund you $40.

We believe that instruments of this quality should be available for testing and comparison.  This is why we give you a week to play it.  We are looking for a “caring partner” and not just attempting to “dump” it on anyone.  It comes in a new ProTec case which includes a strap, Selmer swab, Selmer polishing cloth, cork grease and natural bore oil.  Do not open the packaged accessories if you plan to return the clarinet and...all shipping fees are the responsibility of the purchaser. Any change in its original condition will be charged back as a "re-stocking fee".

Thank you for looking and thank you for reading the entire description.