Menu
Account

Exploring Selmer Paris’ Professional Clarinets

15th August 2025

with Hannah Shilvock, Stéphane Gentil, and Abi Taylor

In our recent video, clarinetist Hannah Shilvock joined Selmer Paris product manager Stéphane Gentil and our head technician Abi Taylor are exploring four of Selmer Paris’ professional clarinets: the Recital, Signature, Privilege, and Muse. Together, they offered a combination of performer insight and technical expertise – discussing design history, acoustic goals, and the Hannah’s personal experience for each model.

Image shows photograph of the bell with the 'signature' detailing and start of lower joint of the Selmer Signature Bb Clarinet.
Image shows photographs of two Muse clarinets, showing the bell with the 'Muse' and selmer logo detailing and start of lower joint showing the correction key.
Image shows a photograph of the bell with the 'privilege' detailing and start of lower joint of the Selmer Privilege Bb Clarinet.

Recital

The Recital was designed in 1985 amongst consultations across many orchestral conductors about the perceived sound difference between French and German clarinets. German instruments were often described as having a denser, fuller sound. Their solution was simple but bold – add more wood. By increasing the diameter of the barrel, body, and bell by 2 mm, they created an instrument with greater width, more weight, and an unmistakably dense, dark voice.

Key features:

  • Extra 2 mm diameter across the body, barrel, and bell for added tonal density.
  • Gore-Tex pads throughout, with leather pads at the bottom.
  • Metal-lined sockets and tenons for stability in any climate and improved resonance.
  • Additional Eb lever (as standard on all Selmer pro models).

From a playing perspective, Hannah found the Recital’s weight familiar and comfortable as a bass clarinetist. The resistance responds well to a strong airstream, producing a homogenous, orchestral tone that is a popular choice for principal clarinetists. The slightly wider body also makes the instrument more ergonomic to hold.

Signature

The Signature was born after wanting to deliver a similar tonal density to the Recital, but without increasing the body’s overall width. Therefore Selmer achieved this by using raised tone holes to increase the density without compromising on the body’s diameter and weight. They also raised the G# and C#, to improve intonation.

Key features:

  • Bore inspired by the Recital, with raised tone holes for density and tuning precision.
  • Henri Selmer signature engraved on the top joint.
  • Mixture of Gore-Tex, leather, and cork pads.
  • Metal tenons and a higher thickness of silver plating on keys for durability and feel.

For players, the Signature offers a more free-blowing experience than the Recital, while keeping the dark, full sound. Hannah described the hand position as natural, the keywork as smooth, and the response as easy – making it equally at home in orchestral or jazz settings.

Image shows photograph of the bell with the 'signature' detailing and start of lower joint of the Selmer Signature Bb Clarinet.

The Evolution★ Bore

Before moving on, Stéphane and Abi highlighted Selmer’s Evolution★ system, which dramatically increases a wooden clarinet’s durability. By lining the upper half of the top joint with a thin 2 mm resin layer, the bore becomes waterproof and highly resistant to cracking. This has reduced cracking rates from around 8-9% to just 0.5%, all while retaining the warmth and tonal qualities of the wood.

Pro Tip: Always record yourself when testing instruments to make sure the sound you are creating aligns with the feel.

Privilege

The Privilege was designed in collaboration with clarinetists across different continents, aiming to create a universal model with both homogeneity and versatility. It offers a slightly more resonant character, suiting players who are physically expressive, and features meticulous intonation work – so much so that no correction key was needed for low E and F as they have found a new position without damaging the long B and long C.

Key features:

  • Black chrome rings for a sleek look.
  • ‘Privilege’ engraved on the top joint.
  • Metal bell ring as an aesthetic choice but also offers an acoustic improvement in the higher harmonics.
  • Metal tenons for predictable assembly.
  • Bottom two pads with saxophone-style resonators for extra low-register ‘pop’.

Hannah found the Privilege smooth, balanced, and easy to blow, with a brighter tone than the Recital or Signature.

Image shows a photograph of the bell with the 'privilege' detailing and start of lower joint of the Selmer Privilege Bb Clarinet.

Muse

Launched in 2022, the Muse represents Selmer’s new generation of professional clarinets. Nicknamed the “Covid clarinet,” it benefited from extra design time during lockdowns, with a special focus on intonation. Redesigned tone-hole positions, diameters, and shapes give it outstanding tuning stability and tonal consistency. The Muse is easy and free blowing, it has a reduced bore size allowing for an easier blow and less effort to vibrate.

Key features:

  • Available with or without a correction key for low E and F as shown in the image below. The correction key is a common choice amongst orchestral players who need consistent intonation accuracy every time.
  • Adjustable correction key placed near the thumb for ease of use.
  • Decorative ‘tattoo’ engraving in the wood for a contemporary look.

Pro Tip: Each model’s feel and response can depend heavily on setup – mouthpiece, reed, and ligature choices may need adjusting to unlock either clarinets full potential.

Image shows photographs of two Muse clarinets, showing the bell with the 'Muse' and selmer logo detailing and start of lower joint showing the correction key.

Final Thoughts

Each of these Selmer pro clarinets blends craftsmanship with a distinct personality:

  • Recital – Added mass for orchestral depth and projection.
  • Signature – Bore refinement for density with freer blowing.
  • Privilege – Balanced, universal, and resonant.
  • Muse – Intonation-focused with modern ergonomic touches.

Whether you seek the dark, weighty voice of the Recital, the agile density of the Signature, the smooth balance of the Privilege, or the refined precision of the Muse, Selmer Paris offers a professional model to match your musical style.