Why I Chose Selmer Clarinets 

Before I knew about Selmer, as a child, I fell in love with the clarinet sound of Benny Goodman. I was mesmerised with his music & sound, which I listened on records and watched on the TV. Later I learned he was playing Selmer clarinets. I listened & saw many clarinets in my life, but the Selmer clarinet (even the so called student models), have a soul like no other. I'm glad you love Selmers too…

I had a similar journey, and I play Backun clarinets now! Love them dearly!

SELIN ! SELIN! SELIN! I love love love this, wow you are AMAZING! thank you so very much ,that you took the time to make this totally wonderful and informative video......You really made ME feel (as well as everyone else watching) that you cared about helping us navigate through the decision making process of a personal piece of equipment ......SELIN ......you have quickly become my HERO!!!!!!!!!!!and i know I'm not alone..... Roy Roman... Tennessee

I started on Buffet clarinets, loaned to me by my school. I started learning the clarinet as I was already a saxophone player and wanted to double on other woodwinds, and clarinet was a very natural choice. When I wanted to get my own for university, I couldn't afford the expensive Buffets, Yamahas and Selmers, but then my teacher told me about the old English maker: Boosey and Hawkes. They make fantastic wide English bore clarinets that have a very warm and lovely sound, and now I play B&H Imperial 926s! These are professional clarinets, easily on the same level as the Buffet R13 when they were being produced, but now on the second hand market being sold for much less. Would recommend to anyone upgrading to a professional instrument with a tight budget!

A lovely video. I enjoyed hearing about your clarinet journey. I have always played Buffet and use Backun Mouthpiece and barrel.

I also tried this model (Privilege) when I was with the symphony orchestra on a musical tour in Germany. I was in Thomann Store and started to play every Buffet instrument I saw. Didn't see a big difference between them and my Buffet ”Elite” Bb Clarinet which I like so much and playing till present. But when I took this Selmer Privilege - I understood which instrument I want to buy. I also tried many mouthpieces, and I really liked D'Addario Reserve X15E so I bought it immediately. Also, I tried Muramatsu flutes and Mark VI tenor sax, but this is another story. Thanks for such a detailed explanation. Great video. I definitely want to buy Selmer Privilege Bb Clarinet a.s.a.p. For a better experience, I will go to Selmer Factory (how You recommended) and will choose the best one. Best regards, Cristinel

I have played Buffet R13 Prestige since 1987 but I also play Selmer bass and Eb. In '87 the Buffet instruments were their top model and I had a choice from 24 instruments in London. Very hard to do this now! It was important to just settle down and play and not worry about supposed issues. I learnt to play these models and haven't looked back. Last week a student brought Legende and Divine models to me to approve but I found them less even and stiffer to blow than mine. Maybe this is purely because they were new but I don't think they would ease off that much. I haven't tried Selmer's newest models but perhaps I should. Thank you for the detailed video.

Very good video Selin! And it's nice to see you:-)

I played a Buffet S-1 in college and in my early professional career but switched to an older Selmer Centered tone which I prefer. I play mostly Jazz and am a doubler too (Saxophone and Flute) . Recently I did try a 40 year old Buffet and it rather nice

The art work , technology, testing of the best granadilla wood , just decades of experience is only the start of the fabulous sound a great clarinet has. What is the biggest part? Acker Bilk once said on a TV interview, about his one of kind sound. " It's the way I blow into the clarinet "....so each fabulous clarinet needs the right person to match his mouth and style of playing. A custom made clarinet is the only way. Once Artie Shaw said he found only two series " 9" Selmers that sounded so unique and wonderful in his life. No wood clarinet will sound the same ...they are all unique to the tree they came from. And after years that sound changes like wine , some sound better some lose it. My 1972 series 10g has changed...in around 1980 I retired it because it's wood has changed. The day it was new, that unique sound is gone...I listened to past recordings of it.

Hi selin I love this video I've tested many clarinets selmer Privillage clarinet is stable and complete for me I have privilege and prologue now It's my final clarinet

Beautiful. Would have liked to hear them too. You have a wonderful sound on your other videos. The 'S' logo comes from Selmer's saxophones. It first appeared on their definitive Mark VI model in 1954. Selmer still use it on some models in its original form of an embossed 'S' raised from the background, with the background painted blue and integrated as part of the octave key styling thus on the neck. As the Mark VI defined the modern saxophone, so this feature defined a quality Selmer saxophone. I have never seen it used on any other instrument by Selmer and I have to say seeing it as white and just printed on the body, looks odd. It really ought to be on the barrel and moulded in with a blue background. I have always been puzzled as to why Selmer did not make more use of such a handsome and distinctive detail. Other saxophone manufacturers adapted this feature with their own logo. But you DESERVE your own 'S' logo! Look at what SYOS are doing.

Selin, thank you very much for sharing your story. It was hugely interesting for me to hear about the path of a professional player. I've spent the last few months testing out different clarinets. With COVID-19 lockdown being in place, my only option was to get them shipped to me, testing one at a time. Long story short, I fell in love with a Selmer Privilege, but had to send it back as it was in a horrible condition. I'm still debating with myself whether or not I need a professional clarinet, but it stood out so much from all the other clarinets I tried. I call it the WOW clarinet, btw. I couldn't believe the sound it produced. So, I could get the shop to order a new one for me, but I will not be able to test multiple Privilege clarinets. I also discovered, Selmer has the Evolution series with resin in the upper joint, which prevents cracking. I'm very tempted to get one of those, but I'm afraid it might not have the sound that I fell in love with. The one I tested was a regular Privilege. Do you have any experience with the Evolution models?

Hello Selin, well made this video!! I hope these models will finally not crack again ;)

I bought a buffet green line RC as I was swayed by avoiding the usual problems with wood.

Thank you for Your lovely testimony which was very interesting. I am in my senior years but still play and do a bit of teaching. I started out on British British Boosey and Hawkes and now in that tradition some beautiful Clarinet by Peter Eaton of London. Well since 1970 I also played professionally Buffy Clarinet in particular the answer chain with all its faults! I have a modest repairer call Paul Carrington at Newark in the UK who makes me cork pants and such a beautifully. If I was you I would try and stick to what you’ve got. The privileges of very fine clarinet. I’ll try drawing in my local shop in Nottingham in the UK I thought it was fabulous. If I was just starting out I might consider trying them. Although I play Selmer saxophones I’ve never had a Salmer clarinet I know that they are very fine instruments. Please look after those instruments they will give you much joy you will spend most of your life getting to know them or trying to get to know them! I wish you every success in the future. Remember beauty is in the ear Of the beholder. - God bless you and yours - Bill - UK

Way back when I was in high school (1955-1959) my Dad took me to see the Benny Goodman Story. After seeing the film I had to have a Selmer Clarinet. I'm not sure if it was the Selmer or me, but I got moved to first chair in the high school band. My Selmer was an amazing interment.

Hi Selin!I m playing privillage clarinets too!I tried every other brand in two clarinet fests!but always I was founding that Selmer privilege was the best for.i m very happy with them I m enjoying every time playing with them!greetings from Greece

Buffet has that Buffet sound. Personally I play Backun Mobo but I prefer Selmer to Buffet.

Ps selin Your little excerpt from Weber’s concertina was beautiful thank you. Bill. UK

my school has selmers and i love the sound. i may get buffet though

PPs. You sound great on that E 13 Clarinet Yes I agree the Salmer Privilege is a great clarinet. I think that all the professional models are fantastic depends on your preference. It also takes time to get to know any Clarinet it’s an ongoing thing! Keep up the good work Selin. You present these videos very very well but remember your own Playing Wishing you a very happy Christmas/Hanukkah - God bless you and yours - Bill - UK

PS I love your enthusiasm. God bless you. Bill. UK

Selmer fans ? I'm in. I play mostly Alto clarinet and I have a Selmer. I also found an old Selmer Bb "model 15" (as said in the '30s catalogs) from 1931, a L Series, (sometimes labeled "Radio Improved" for commercial purpose to match with their sax at that time). What I like : Selmer has a strong core sound, whereas Buffet-Crampon has a quiet and peaceful sound. I'm also very comfortable with Selmer keywork, it feels great in response, and I have issues with Buffet clarinets trill keys and left hand keys, and with sound. Selmer clarinets I like are the old series from the '30s, the Centered Tone, the 10S/10SII Series, Recital, Saint-Louis. And of course the Privilège MkII : not only a wonderful sound but also a great comfort and a beautiful design. The only problem with Selmer : cracks. Wood is not dried during years like in the old days, the risk is real with modern clarinets. Selmer decided recently to copy an idea from Yamaha's Duet+ line of clarinets : injected plastic in the bore to prevent cracks, they call it "Evolution" (other brands try to prevent cracks : Backun produced a "Carbon" clarinet model with the wood all wrapped in carbon fibers ; Yamaha and the "Duet+" technology ; Buffet-Crampon and the "Green Line" clarinets made with grenadilla chips mixed with resin ; Ridenour and hard rubber clarinets). And finaly : I like the way you told your story, and I understand what you felt trying Selmer's sound.

PS leave the top two trill Keys slightly open with a piece of matchstick or Reed or a bit of paper to allow any moisture left in the top two keys to dry out because that’s often where there is a crack - God bless you and good success with your future instruments it’s better if I never crack. Love you playing - God bless you - Bill - UK

Ciao Selin... Purtroppo non ti conoscevo, ti sto conoscendo solo adesso con i tuoi video... Che dire Bravissimaaaaaaaaaa ed anche bellissima...Complimentiiiiiiiii❤️❤️P.s.Sorry I don't speak english

Most professionals don't know about oiling and proper manteinance, genaraly speaking they put their instruments on heavy uskng conditions because the amount of time practising , reharsal, traveling, etc. Proper manteinance reduces the cracking risk notoriously. Btw you sound great with any brand!

Buffet Crampon mekanik olarak daha sert materyallerden daha kusursuz ve stabil bir klavye sunarken Henri Selmer de daha yumuşak metal kullanılıp mekanik bazı küçük minimal boşluklar olabiliyor.. Bu avantaj mı dezavantaj mı? Tabiki minimal oynamalar bakım süresini kısaltıyor fakat benim düşüncem; yumuşak malzemeden yapılmış selmer klavyesi elinizin yapısına göre zamanla şekil alıyor, eliniz klavyeye göre değişmeye çalışırken klavye de elinize göre değişip daha çabuk bir bütünleşme sağlanıyor. Yumuşak materyal bazı küçük istenmeyen darbelerde çok daha çabuk deforme oluyor ve tüm bu mekanik konuyu gölgede bırakacak daha önemli olan konu da tonun ruhu.. Bu kısım kişisel biraz, ben de selmer tercih ediyorum. Buffet tonu biraz daha tiz frekansları kuvvetli ve keskin. Selmer daha yuvarlak ve dramatik, orta ve alt frekansları etkileyici hissettiriyor.. Eğer satın alacağınız klarneti seçme şansınız varsa ve kendinize yakın olan bir Selmer klarnet seçerseniz o sizi çok mutlu eder.. :)

What a fantastic video. Thank you so much. I am looking for my first professional quality clarinet, and your comments were really helpful. There is a lot of good product out there, but I liked your thoughts on finding something that suits your style and sound. I am a bit concerned about the cracking. I live in a very dry climate in northern Canada, and it would break my heart to lose such a great instrument to a crack. Do you have any thoughts on the newer carbon fibre products? I know they are really pricey, but playing simpler music in the most musical way with the best possible sound is my retirement project goal.

Hi Selin. Thank you for your video. What do you think about Selmer Signet Clarinets, made in USA? Are they good clarinets?

Bravo !

I'm wondering if you have any experience with or thoughts about yamaha's intermediate and pro clarinets?

Currently saving up for a selmers Privilege. Selmers was my first clarinet and it will be my last

Qué hermosa. Muchas gracias por todo bien

Süpersiniz hocam sevgiler 😊😊

Hey Selin, thank you for the vid! It really confirms my own thoughts and feelings about the Priviège clarinet(s). My "clarinet history" was somewhat similar to yours. Not counting a couple of absolutely godawful Soviet clarinets, I got a *then* 35-year old Freres Thibouville Ivry (which was a very nice instrument from my adolescent memories)--> Buffet E11 for 5 yrs -> Buffet Festival for 15 years -> Selmer Privilège 1st generation for the past 7 years (2 Bbs and an A + 67 bass which is technically also named "Privilège"). I really wish Selmer updated their basset horn but the time I was about to getting my own instrument, but they haven't,- since 1970's till the present day, so I went with Buffet RC Prestige and not regretting it a bit. While I am really liking what I am hearing on those 1.5 videos of the just released Selmer Muse, and I *might* add it to my arsenal if I find an instrument at the right price (I'm in the US, so....), I wouldn't do that at the expense of trading in my Privileges (well, maybe the older one....). They are really good, effortlessly in tune, singing, ringing, not getting in my way and just helping me play better in so many applications - klezmer (some of that on the Buffet E11 C though), improvised music / jazz, musical theatre, and, well, classical of all periods, including chamber and orchestral music. Ergonomics is very subjective: the 1st generation Privilège feels better under my hands than the 2nd gen that you have. But I could definitely live with the 2nd gen instruments just as well. The difference in bore width is almost negligible both in feel and in the sound, but I still prefer the 1st gen. I also do love the golden rings and the Rossi / sax / Selmer bass clarinet style register key. Anyway, these are really outstanding clarinets, and I could only wish that the flutes and the oboes of the Privilege caliber were that affordable.

Hi, have you heard selmer prelude cl710 clarinet? It’s apparently a student clarinet. I’m wonder if you can do a review? Thanks

Hello. Thank you for your video. I am moving from my first clarinet to my new one, and I have doubts on what to choose. I also couldn't find much information online, so I'll ask here. Between a selmer soloist and a selmer signet 100, which one should I choose? Thank you for your time and keep up with the great videos 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Did you try Leblanc Opus???

Does the Privilege have a low F correction key? I've seen descriptions saying it does, but in your video it seems it doesn't.

I hate heavy clarinets, I use a Buffet Festival and for me, I consider It heavy, I wish sometime to try a Divine which is the lightest Buffet i think... Do you know any lighter-weight pro clarinets than Divine?

My next Clarinet will be a Recital!

You are a fantastic clarinet player! I have a Buffet Festival but mine was manufactured in 1991 so it is vintage. I have been told by a well known clarinet rebuilder that the newer Buffet clarinets are not even close to what the older ones were like and that my Festival isn’t even close to the new ones. I am wondering what year your Festival was made. I would love to try a few Selmer clarinets out to feel and hear the difference! I had to add that my Festival developed checking within the first year in 2 places on my upper joint that never ended up turning into a crack. This past year I noticed another check, which I am watching closely because it goes into a tone hole. I had my clarinet overhauled since that one developed, though, and the technician didn’t seem worried about it.

Selmer clarinets---very well made instruments.

did you like the leblanc,s you tried?

PPs thank you again Seline for your great enthusiasm - I thought you sounded great on the signature Clarinet I think that the sober Clarinet I’ll brilliant here we think of them as the chairs Clarinet - I’ve played Buffet since 1970 mainly The R13. I have also played a large bore Peter Eaton and Clarinet made in the UK. Please keep up the good work and enjoy playing on that privilege don’t worried too quickly. Perhaps you should write a blog as Bob Reynolds has done for jazz saxophone. Although some more of these you do as last time for you to practice You are 100% correct that the newSelmer Clarinets are fantastic. There are great players like Stephen Williamson of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Todd Levvy Another great American classical player Who use I believe the signature Clarinet. Thank you once again and God bless you - Bill - UK

Bonjour Selin, c’est en regardant beaucoup de vidéos de clarinettistes sur RU-vid que je suis arrivé sur celle-ci où tu expliques ton choix sur la Privilège de Selmer. Il se trouve que c’est cette même clarinette que j’ai choisi il y a 4 ans entre plusieurs Buffet. Je suis « amateur » et je n’arrivais pas trop à expliquer pourquoi ce choix. Autour de moi, pros et amateurs sont quasi tous sur Buffet. Et lorsque je t’ai écouté raconter ton approche sur cette Privilège c’était exactement mon ressenti. Incroyable !? J’ai choisi le M30 de Vandoren mais le BD4 me tenterait bien. Qu’en penses-tu ? Bonne continuation et À bientôt

Did you ever try Devon Burgani clarinets?

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1440">24:00</a> Voilà, maintenant c'est compris!

Buffet makes several models...with different sound signatures.

What do you think of the backun clarinets?

😃🤩😍

Thanks for this video girl, will you use this brand forever?

Old school choose Buffet Elite.

Of all the Selmer clarinets, which one has the biggest and darkest sound for you?

Merci Selin de nous avoir raconté l'histoire de vos clarinettes. On sent que vous les aimez beaucoup. Je viens de voir sur leur site que Selmer a développé un nouveau procédé de fabrication pour éviter les cracks : Evolution. www.selmer.fr/instruinfo.php?page=NEW&famille=SELMER%20CLAR&LANGUE=fr J'aime beaucoup vous écouter, vous avez vraiment un très beau son, c'est un plaisir.

What do you think of Backun CG clarinet? They say because of the external carbon fiber It doesn't crack....

Subtitulo en español... 🙏

Türkçe bir video da mümkün olsa çok güzel olur

Hey Selin, fellow Selmer player here... have you tried Patricola?

theres a lot od myths and miaconceptios about instruments. Just buy a top clarinet and put the horn in the best technician you can reach. theres a myriad of details that can change the instruments pefformance. Factories are factories they dont pay attecion to details. just assembly lines!!!! ..or buy a Luis Rossi .

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5czp9eepZbs.html Quinteto!!

Stop advertising Selmer when you played Buffet&Crampon My real advice for choosing your clarinet is to choose the one that suits you Buffet&Crampon, RZ, Luís Rossi, Yamaha,Ripamonti, Backun and so many other clarinets! Musicians, Buffet &Crampon or Selmer are not necessarily the best. The best solution is to try several instruments of several brands and all the models that you can try. Don't listen to it I had the opportunity to play Selmer. It is beautiful But Rc Buffet&Crampon Easier. Understand this. You must make your choice according to your requirements. The best clarinet will simply always be the one that suits you Selmer doesn't suit me for me Choose your clarinet yourself

too bad she is too young to have played leblanc in their glory days

Этот ролик , ни уму не сердцу, звучание кларета не показа, подобные картинки везде давно надоели.