Pre-Owned Selmer Paris Centered Tone Professional Bb Clarinet - 1952
For sale is a true legend of the woodwind world: a Pre-Owned Selmer Paris Centered Tone Professional Bb Clarinet. Bearing the early serial number P1368, this instrument was manufactured in 1952, the inaugural year of the highly sought-after "P Series". The Centered Tone is arguably the most famous jazz clarinet ever built, serving as the instrument of choice for the "King of Swing" himself, Benny Goodman. Crafted from beautifully aged, dense Grenadilla wood, this clarinet delivers a wide, warm, and exceptionally woody tone with enough power and projection to soar over a roaring big band.
This is the ultimate instrument for the jazz clarinetist, big band musician, or vintage enthusiast looking for a massive, uninhibited sound. If you find modern, symphonic-focused clarinets to be too resistant or heavily centered, the Centered Tone will be a revelation. Designed to take as much air as you can give it, it offers incredible dynamic flexibility, a fat sub-tone in the chalumeau register, and a singing, brilliant altissimo.
The "Centered Tone" Advantage
- The Benny Goodman Legacy: The Centered Tone was the flagship Selmer clarinet of the 1950s and was heavily endorsed and played by Benny Goodman. It defined the sound of the mid-century jazz clarinet.
- Large Bore & Tone Holes: Unlike modern poly-cylindrical clarinets, the Centered Tone features a large bore and large tone holes. This design significantly reduces resistance, allowing for maximum volume, pitch flexibility, and that characteristic "fat" vintage sound.
- Vintage Grenadilla Wood: The old-growth Grenadilla wood used by Selmer in the 1950s is incredibly dense and resonant, providing a depth of tonal color that is highly sought after by today's professionals.
Condition Report
- Body: Excellent Vintage Shape. The Grenadilla wood is in beautiful condition, showing the deep, rich grain characteristic of 1950s Selmer craftsmanship. No cracks or damage is visible. Well cared for!
- Mechanics: The keywork is fluid, smooth, and highly responsive.
- Pads: This instrument is currently set up with a mix of cork and leather pads. The pads are fully sealing and the instrument plays wonderfully right out of the case. While they are starting to show some color and age, there is absolutely no need for replacement yet—you can take this horn straight to the gig!
Specifications
- Brand: Henri Selmer Paris
- Model: Centered Tone (P Series)
- Serial Number: P1368 (Manufactured in 1952)
- Key: Bb
- Body Material: Vintage Grenadilla Wood
- Bore: Large Bore / Large Tone Holes
- Pads: Mix of Cork and Leather (Good playing condition)
- Condition: Pre-Owned / Excellent Vintage Player's Condition
- Included: Standard Aftermarket Protec Styled Case
- Price: $1,500.00
Why Choose Fleming Music?
Here at Fleming Instruments, our expert on-site instrument repair workshop guarantees that each instrument we sell is meticulously inspected and fine-tuned before it reaches you. We take pride in offering a 1-year warranty and 2-week return policy on all instruments, giving you peace of mind with your investment. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, so please reach out to us at the shop via phone, email, or website contact: https://flemingrepair.com/pages/contact.
For the most competitive pricing, financing options, or to discuss a trade-in, please contact us directly!
As always, we invite you to stop by our Houston shop to try this instrument in person. Nothing compares to the experience of a horn in your own hands. Follow our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest updates, content, and promotions: https://linktr.ee/Fleming_Music. We are grateful for your support of our small business and look forward to helping you find the perfect instrument or accessories!
