The Selmer Muse is a shiny new addition to the Selmer Paris lineup, launched in 2022. The development team included members of orchestras from around the world, alongside Selmer's instrument designers. They took over 4 years developing the Muse to address some nagging issues that still plague all clarinets: intonation, ergonomics and reliability over time.
The newly-designed bore of the Muse creates a sound that I would describe as "Milky, but with projection" — though I guess that pretty much describes every infant I've ever met.
In terms of ergonomics, the Selmer Muse features a redesigned keywork system that enhances playability and comfort. The placement and shape of keys are optimized — no tendonitis factory here — reducing fatigue and promoting a more natural hand position. From my own experience, this is true. I have big hands, and I randomly hit fork keys all the time. In fact, I usually have to re-record the demo videos I make a few times because of this. With the Muse, I literally did all of them in one take. Katherine has thin fingers and feels like it's more comfortable too. So I guess all the marketing is true. Way to not lie to us, Selmer!
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 the Muse with a more free-blowing clarinet like the Uebel Zenit (medium resistance) or the Selmer Privilege (light resistance). You'll hear the difference, especially with the dynamic extremes in the Berlioz and Gershwin.
Special Features
The patented Selmer Evolution system (they like to use all-caps, but I don't), involves boring out the instrument a little larger than necessary, and then adding an interior layer of resin, and then finishing the inside of the bore to the exact specs. The result? A clarinet that has all of the good qualities of wood without the risk of cracking. In fact, Selmer guarantees the Muse against cracking for TEN FREAKIN' YEARS on the upper joint.
Both Bb and A clarinets come with an extra key. What does this key do? When you're playing a low F, just press the right thumb key (it wasn't doing anything anyway, besides holding up the clarinet), and a cool little vent key opens up. This vent brings these historically (and infamously) low notes up into pitch. It's a freakin' miracle. Very cool. Check it out in the "F correction key" video below.
Both clarinets come with the slick "PRiSMe" case (what is is with capitals over at Selmer? Is their keyboard broken?). The Bb comes with a single case, the A with a double case.
Here are the other features of the Muse, at a glance:
- 64 and 65 mm barrels
- 14.6mm bore (cylindrical section)
- Silver- and matte black chrome-plated (7mm)
- Gore-Tex, leather and cork pads
- Silver-plated ergonomic keywork with adjustable thumb rest
- Embedded EVOLUTION system (10-year warranty on upper joint)
- 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.
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.
