Selmer Privilege Eb (19 Keys)

An Iconic Bass Clarinet in the Henri SELMER Paris Lineage

Designed in France for over a century, Henri SELMER Paris instruments rely on renowned workshop expertise, driven by musicians' demands and artisans' precision. Manufactured in line with this reputation, the "Privilège" bass clarinet embodies a highly refined vision of the instrument: a model focused on performance, where intonation stability, homogeneity, and playing flexibility are at the heart of the design.

Within the SELMER range, the "Privilège" stands out for its particularly meticulous approach to ergonomics and acoustics. The result: a bass clarinet that facilitates the shaping of the sound texture (the timbre's substance) while maintaining projection and precision essential in ensemble settings.

For Which Musicians and Playing Contexts

The SELMER "Privilège" bass clarinet is primarily aimed at advanced clarinetists, conservatory students, orchestra and wind band musicians, and professionals seeking a reliable and expressive instrument. Its easy response helps secure attacks and dynamics, while its great reactivity supports fast passages and clear articulation.

Regarding styles, it excels in classical (orchestra, chamber music, contemporary repertoire), in wind band/harmonie thanks to its presence and solid foundation in the low register, and also finds a prime place in jazz for timbre flexibility and phrasing freedom. It is a bass clarinet designed for long playing sessions, with comfort, and maintaining stable intonation in demanding contexts.

Sound and Design

With a grenadilla body (a dense and stable wood highly valued for its harmonic richness), the "Privilège" aims for a deep, centered, and nuanced timbre. The bore (internal diameter of the instrument) is crafted to offer balanced intonation across all registers: a crucial point on a bass clarinet, where homogeneity between low, middle, and altissimo registers conditions musical fluidity.

The instrument emphasizes ease of response : the sound "comes out" with less effort, allowing better control of pianissimos, soft attacks, and rapid transitions. The velocity sensation described as "close to the Bb" translates into a lively response and agile behavior, highly appreciated in technical passages.

The keywork design enhances comfort: an improved overall ergonomics promotes a more natural hand position. The leather pads with metal resonators contribute to precise sealing and a clear response, while the needle-type springs in stainless steel provide speed and consistency to the mechanism. Finally, the silver-plated brass bell contributes to solid projection, with a full and steady low register.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To get the most out of your bass clarinet, you can complement your equipment with a bass clarinet swab (for internal drying after playing), cork grease (for smooth assembly and cork protection), and Bb bass clarinet reeds suited to your style and mouthpiece. These accessories are essential for maintenance and comfort, compatible with the regular use of a bass clarinet.

Technical specifications

Level	Professional	System	Boehm
Tone	Eb	Color	Black
Body material	Grenadilla

Key	Bb	Needle-type springs	stainless steel
Bore	upper body 23.5 mm; lower body 23.4 mm	Necks	2 necks (1 closed crook, 1 open crook)
Upper and lower body	grenadilla	Included mouthpiece	Focus
Bell	silver-plated brass	Mouthpiece accessories	mouthpiece cap and ligature
Weight	2.9 kg	Case	"Pro-Light"
Keywork material	maillechort and silver-plated brass	Maintenance	maintenance kit
Pads	leather equipped with metal resonators	Adjustment	instrument adjusted by a luthier (ready to play)