Brands

The history of Selmer Paris dates back to 1885, when Henri Selmer, a clarinetist who graduated from the Paris Conservatorie, began manufacturing his own reeds and mouthpieces. In 1898 he began manufacturing clarinets and by 1900 he had won awards and began to export his instruments to England. 1906 marked the first shop in the USA, and by 1922 they were manufacturing saxophones as well. The first trumpet model, called the “Armstrong”, was introduced in 1933. Even into modern day, Selmer Paris has kept true to traditional designs while introducing innovative new models that satisfy even the most critical professionals.

Privilège:

Created from a collaboration between Selmer Paris and Jerome Verhaeghe, solo clarinetist at the Paris Opera orchestra, the Privilège is a well balanced and homogeneous instrument which distinguishes itself by its efficiency and reliability. A very quick vibration setting guarantees excellent response and great fluidity. The dynamic range and color tones that it offers match any orchestra in the largest concert halls. Even in forte, the Privilège develops an exceptional quality of sound without aggressiveness. The tuning balance sets a new standard: for instance, the low E and the F, always very delicate, play perfectly in tune. Special undercutting of the toneholes allows the player to get a very precise fundamental, without alteration of the first overtone. Thanks to a similar bore architecture, both Bb and A clarinets clearly stand in the same spirit in terms of sonority, tuning and blowing. Like the Bb, the A clarinet develops low tones of exceptional warmth, in phase with the requirements of the clarinet repertoire. The padding is comprised of cork, Gore-Tex and leather and ensures a precise covering. The low register pads are fitted with boosters, greatly contributing to the tone and resonance of the instrument, reinforcing certain high overtones.

Signature:

The Signature is a unique and unrivalled concept. The tone, a compromise between roundness and presence, is a subtle mixing of sweetness and energy. A wide dynamic range facilitates pianissimo and unsaturated fortissimo, with a perfectly homogeneous tone over the various registers. A centered and easy emission provides a high level of control. The tuning is perfectly balanced due to higher toneholes, and for a better adaptability, the Bb clarinet is available in both A-440 and A-442.

St. Louis:

The St. Louis Anniversary model embodies all the progress achieved by Selmer Paris over the century. It is the successful outcome of 100 years of technical expertise and profound communication with artists. The Bb and A St. Louis clarinets feature versatile personalities which will meet the needs of different playing styles. Rich, open sound, easy blowing emission, broad dynamics, balanced tuning and projection are the many quality features that summarize the Selmer Paris clarinet philosophy.

Recital:

Particularly selected and worked grenadilla wood, noble and living matter, gives the Recital its warm, rich and round tone. A sophisticated bore with an exceptional presence. have made possible a particular sonority. The diameter of the joints is bigger than a traditional model by two millimeters. A significant reserve of power and a very condensed voice favor generous playing. The Recital is an expressive instrument for those who are looking for “a sound”.

Arthea:

After the successful St. Louis, the Arthea is a clarinet particularly aimed at demanding, high-level students, and offers great dynamic capacity and unmatched playing flexibility. Its optimized qualities result from a redefinition of tone hole undercutting.

Odyssée:

The Odyssée constitutes the first link to the Selmer Paris professional clarinet range. Designed to open on multiple musical aspects, the Odyssée is a wholly accessible instrument. Respecting the Selmer Paris traditional hallmark, the Odyssée Bb and A clarinets are highly multivalent instruments, based on balanced blend of brightness and roundness. Together with the tuning stability and flexibility, the homogeneity of the tone color turn the Odyssée into a very reliable instrument.

Also available to special order:

Selmer Paris Basset Clarinet

Selmer Paris Eb Soprano Clarinets

Selmer Paris F Basset Horn

Selmer Paris Eb Alto Clarinet

Selmer Paris Bb Bass Clarinets

Selmer Paris EEb Contra Alto Clarinet

Selmer Paris BBb Contra Bass Clarinet

NEWS Conn-Selmer Launches Artist Website Centerstage

Visit the official Selmer Paris website for more information.