The Selmer Privilege second generation Bb clarinet is another clarinet I personally own and play a lot. I select this instrument for orchestral and chamber music, primarily because it has the ability to blend (and therefore, tune) very easily.
That said, when you want to kick it up to 11 and take center-stage, the Privilege can turn on a dime. In other words, when your ensemble part turns into a solo, the instrument is very efficient and doesn't take a lot of pushing to project. Many clarinets can go from 0-60; not many can go from 45-80 just as efficiently. (Yes, that's a vehicle metaphor. Hopefully you get my drift!)
The second generation came out in 2014, and has a slightly smaller bore (14.6mm down from 14.7), much improved ergonomics, with new key shapes and positions, especially in the left pinky keys.
Resistance: 5/10, Medium
The Privilege is quite a free-blowing instrument, as are most Selmer clarinets (notable exception: the Recital). This provides a wide range of color options, from brash, screaming new music or jazz to a refined Brahms sonata or Mozart symphony.
In general, added resistance in a clarinet design usually keeps the louder dynamic ranges from spreading; the clarinet "holds its core" and focus, but will provide a smaller dynamic range (on both ends, loud and soft) and smaller color palette. A less resistant clarinet typically provides a much wider tonal palette to choose from, but will require more control from the player to control pitch and sound consistency.
When listening for how a clarinet responds to added air pressure and embouchure control, listen to the Weber example (wide dynamic range and color range), then the Berlioz excerpt (wide dynamic range, but narrow color range), and finally the Gershwin excerpt (narrow dynamic range and narrow color range). You will hear how these clarinets respond — for better or worse! — to my input as a clarinet player.
Then compare this clarinet to more resistant clarinets like the Buffet Légende and Backun Q. You'll hear the difference, especially with the dynamic extremes in the Berlioz and Gershwin.
For those interested in similar instruments for comparison, try the Privilege alongside the Buffet Festival and the Uebel Réve or Uebel Zenit.
Specs
Here are the specs for the Privilege Bb and A clarinets. (Note, the A clarinet comes with a double case).
- 65.5 + 66.5mm barrels
- 14.6mm bore (Bb, cylindrical section)
- Metal tenons and sockets (great design)
- Black leather pads with boosters (lower joint), gore-tex pads (upper joint)
- Black chrome-plated keywork with adjustable thumb rest
- PRiSMe case (Bb single; A double)
All earspasm instruments come with a 7-day trial. Please read my trial policy before pulling out that credit card.
What is B-Stock instrument?
Sometimes I get instruments that have been at trade shows, or that may have a scratch on the case, or something else insignificant. I get these at a discount from Selmer, and I pass the savings along to you. Of course, as every instrument I sell, each has been inspected, set up and play-tested by me to ensure that it hits my goal of the clarinet "living its best life" before you receive it.
If you are curious about what (if anything) I've found on a particular B-stock instrument that you're thinking about buying, just contact me and I'll give you the details about what made that instrument B-Stock, so you know exactly what you're getting.
B-stock instruments are a fantastic value, and they come and go quickly. So, you may not see B-stock all the time, though I do try to keep one in stock all the time.
FAQ:
Q: What if I'm in New York and want to try it in person?
A: Contact me to set up an appointment, and let's do it!
Q: Does the instrument come with a warranty?
A: Yes, it comes with the standard Selmer warranty against cracks, etc. If you ever have any problem with the instrument, I'm your quarterback. I'll take care of the whole process, just let me know you need help, and I'll take it from there.
Q: What happens if it's damaged during shipping?
A: Inspect the package before you sign off at delivery! If there are any issues resulting from shipping, we have taken out an insurance policy to cover damage (and loss). But we need you to document this damage or we can't do anything to help. Please read my trial policy for how to handle this issue, should it arise.
Q: If I decide to return it, do have to pay return shipping costs?
A: Not if you live in the Continental US! Because I want you to find the right instrument for you, and doing so online is harder than doing so in-person, I will cover the return shipping. Please read my trial policy for trial and return rules.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Yes. You can add your shipping address when checking out to see what the shipping costs will be before taking the plunge. Note that VAT and Customs Duties are not included in this cost.
