The Selmer Signature Bb is one of the clarinets I personally play. Not saying that means it's what you should play, but I like it — a lot. Why? It's got a clear, bright tone that projects nicely, and it has a feature I especially have come to appreciate: raised tone holes. Don't knock it til you try it—it's amazing to have the added confirmation of touch that you're covering a hole, because you can feel the darn hole. Now, Selmer says, "The Signature uses raised tone holes...which helps provide a more focused tone." Perhaps, but I think it's a combination of the lighter weight (It weighs about a pound less than its PHAT cousin, the Selmer Recital), the keys, which change the dimension of the tone hole, and its bore.
The instrument responds VERY quickly, especially when playing quietly, and has a noticeably crisper articulation than most other clarinets I've tried.
Resistance: 4/10, Medium-Light
In general, more 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.
The Signature offers a more free-blowing and responsive playing experience, with slightly less resistance compared to the Selmer Privilege. This lower resistance can allow for easier and more effortless airflow, providing a sense of openness and flexibility in sound production. The Signature's lighter resistance may be advantageous for players seeking a more flexible and expressive playing style, such as in jazz or contemporary genres.
Of course, it's important to note that resistance can be subjective and may vary based on individual playing techniques, embouchure, mouthpiece, and reed choice. It's always recommended to try out comparable instruments, if possible, to determine which one feels more comfortable and suits your playing style and musical needs. I'd suggest comparing the Signature to the Backun Lumiere or Uebel Zenit.
Specs
Here are the specs for the Signature Bb and A clarinets. (Note, the A clarinet comes with a double case):
- 62.5 + 64.5mm barrels (these are smaller than most, because of how the clarinet is designed. Don't let it freak you out!) 1
- 4.5mm bore (Bb, cylindrical section)
- Metal tenons and sockets (great design IMO)
- Cork and white leather pads with boosters (lower joint), gore-tex pads (upper joint)
- Silver-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.
