Selmer Alto Eb (18 Silver-Plated Keys)

An Alto Clarinet Signed Henri SELMER Paris: Tradition and Positioning

For over a century, Henri SELMER Paris has designed and manufactured in France instruments aimed at clarinetists and saxophonists seeking reliable response, consistent manufacturing quality, and a strong sonic identity. Produced in the workshops of Mantes-la-Ville, this alto clarinet belongs to a lineage of instruments where musicians' demands merge with the expertise of specialized craftsmen, with particular attention to mechanics, adjustments, and materials.

Within the clarinet family, the Eb alto clarinet holds a unique position: it extends the color palette between registers and provides an immediately recognizable depth. Its metal curved neck and bell (reminiscent of the basset horn) contribute to its overall balance and visual presence, while meeting the acoustic and ergonomic requirements specific to this format.

For Which Musicians and Repertoires?

This SELMER alto clarinet is primarily intended for intermediate to advanced clarinetists, as well as musicians in wind orchestras, ensembles, or chamber music seeking a stable and consistent instrument over time. The alto clarinet is particularly appreciated for its ability to link sections and enrich chords while maintaining clear articulation.

It naturally fits in chamber music, certain contemporary repertoires, clarinet ensembles, and formations where a darker, enveloping color is desired. Thanks to a standard Boehm key system, fingerings remain familiar to trained clarinetists while offering the range and fingering particularities unique to this model.

Sound and Design

The grenadilla body (a dense and renowned wood) promotes a rich timbre, with a good balance between warmth and precision. The bore (internal diameter, here 17 mm ) directly influences resistance, air column stability, and register homogeneity: this results in a structured playing sensation and projection capable of effortlessly blending into an ensemble. The 442 Hz tuning places the instrument within a common standard for many groups, with intonation designed for stability.

The alto clarinet's design is distinguished by its silver-plated brass bell and adjustable silver-plated maillechort neck. The bell contributes to the diffusion of low frequencies and the presence of fundamentals, while the neck provides the ergonomics necessary for the alto format. Mechanically, the silver-plated maillechort keywork aims for durable robustness and consistent touch. The leather pads ensure airtightness, thus facilitating ease of sound production and tuning accuracy, and the stainless steel needle springs promote quick and stable action over time. Finally, the adjustable non-slip thumb rest enhances comfort when playing seated or standing and secures posture, a key point for an instrument of this size.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To fully exploit the instrument daily, you can consider Eb alto clarinet reeds (adapted to the Alto mouthpiece), as well as cork grease for assembling the joints. A cleaning swab for alto clarinet is also recommended for internal maintenance after playing, to preserve response consistency and pad longevity.

Technical specifications

Level	Professional	System	Boehm
Tone	Eb	Color	Black
Body material	Grenadilla

Key	Eb	Bell	silver-plated brass
Tuning	442 Hz	Keywork	silver-plated maillechort
Bore	17 mm	Pads	leather
Range	down to low Eb	Needle springs	stainless steel
Body	grenadilla	Adjustable neck	silver-plated maillechort