Selmer Privilège Bb (18 Keys)

The Privilège in the Henri SELMER Paris Heritage

Manufactured in France at the Henri SELMER Paris workshops, the brand's clarinets are part of a demanding instrument-making tradition, supported both by musicians and craftsmen. In this lineage, the Privilège stands out for its pursuit of ergonomics, intonation accuracy, and stability, making it a particularly reliable clarinet for daily use. Its refined aesthetics (engravings, rings, finish) complete a positioning clearly aimed at the instrumentalist who expects precise response, solid tuning, and consistent behavior regardless of the venue.

For Which Musicians and Repertoires

The Selmer Privilège is primarily intended for advanced clarinetists, conservatory students, and professionals seeking a stable and homogeneous instrument capable of "holding" in a wide range of contexts. It is suitable for classical music (orchestra, chamber music, studio) as well as for wind band ensembles and situations where the clarinet must blend into the ensemble while maintaining a beautiful presence. Its flexibility and stability make it an effective ally for long rehearsals, changing acoustics, and intonation demands.

Sound and Design

The Privilège is recognized for a homogeneous timbre and controlled projection, with a particularly balanced middle register: the pivotal notes gain brightness, facilitating color continuity between registers. The 14.60 mm bore and body design aim for smooth emission and stable intonation, useful both as a soloist and in section playing. The choice of grenadilla (barrels, body, bell) provides density and harmonic richness, while the finish (treatment, varnish, water-repellent) helps protect the wood. Mechanically, the silver-plated maillechort keywork, stainless steel needle springs, and combination of leather, Gore-Tex, and cork pads contribute to precise response, consistent touch, and careful sealing.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

This clarinet is delivered with a Selmer Concept mouthpiece and its ligature. A relevant complement (with no compatibility risk) is a Bb clarinet swab and a cap cord to secure the setup during rehearsals. To preserve the mechanics and wood, microfiber cloths (for the exterior) and cleaning papers/pads can also be useful for daily maintenance.

Technical specifications

Level	Professional	System	Boehm
Tone	Bb	Color	Black
Body material	Grenadilla

Key	Bb	Tenons	male and female doubled with metal sleeve
Pitch	440-442 Hz	Keywork	silver-plated maillechort
Bore	14.60 mm	Thumb rest	adjustable
Barrels, body, and bell	Grenadilla	Pads	leather, Gore-Tex, and cork
2 Barrels	64.5 and 65.5 mm	Needle springs	stainless steel