Yeah, they don't call it the "Earspasm Edition" but I will. Why? Because I asked Selmer to make me a black bass clarinet...non-stop for ten years...and they finally did in 2016. And then, once they did that, they went ahead and made a Bb and A clarinet with the same black chrome they used for the bass clarinet, and this is the result.
The Selmer Privilege Bb Clarinet has the same playing characteristics of its "regular" sibling, it's just...100% blacker. The key-feel is the biggest difference (aside from the look), with a matte black finish that feels silky to the touch. In fact, everyone that tries it comments on how it feels second...right after they comment on how it looks.
The response is crisp, with great, clean articulation response. I especially love this about the Privilege and Signature in particular.
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
- 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
All earspasm instruments come with a 7-day trial. Please read my trial policy before pulling out that credit card.
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.
