Full transparency: I had not planned to carry the Présence in the shop, but Selmer accidentally sent me two of them and I figured, I've got 'em here, might as well try them out. And both Katherine and I were very surprised at what we found!
The Présence is Selmer's mid-priced clarinet, but to be honest, I like it just as much as my Selmer Privilege Bb. It has a delightful, tight core of a sound, which can fill a room. It's just a happy-sounding clarinet. I guess that means if you're going to play something that's a bit of a downer like Max Reger you may want something more somber. (Sorry Alan Kay, while you're one of my top-ten favorite clarinetists, I'm not a Reger fan. I still love you though.)
Originally branded "SeleS" when introduced about 25 years ago, Selmer developed the instrument to deliver a professional-sounding and -playing instrument at a more affordable price. What corners did they cut? Well, I don't know if you'd call it "cutting a corner," but the Presence is apparently built more by machine (read: computer-controlled machinery) than by hand, like Selmer's pro models, which is how Selmer is able to save money producing it, and pass that savings on to you.
Resistance: 6/10, Medium
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 Présence alongside the Buffet R13, and the Uebel Réve.
What does "EVO" mean?
EVO is Selmer's new method of reducing upper-joint cracking. Here's what it is, and what they do to achieve this feat (which results in a 10-year warranty. Holy crap!)
The Selmer EVOLUTION system (or "EVO" to us cool kids) is a manufacturing process used on Selmer's pro model clarinets that stabilizes the instrument without changing its sound. During production, a BPA-free resin is integrated into the upper half of the bore, making the clarinet more resistant to cracking and less sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Because the resin conducts heat better than wood, the instrument warms up and reaches pitch more quickly, which is especially useful when switching between Bb and A clarinets. Blind tests — and my personal experiences — have shown no difference in tone compared to traditional all-wood models, so you get the same sound but it's much more reliable. No, I still wouldn't take it out marching in sub-zero weather, because why tempt fate? EVO clarinets are marked with a small star (★) near the serial number, so you can verify yours is (or isn't) an EVO clarinet.
Specs
Here are the specs for the Présence Bb Clarinet
- 66.5mm barrel
- Valentino Synthetic pads
- Silver-plated keywork with adjustable thumb rest
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Présence 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.
