Play black: a refined finish for clarinet
Since Henri SELMER Paris was founded, musicians have remained at the heart of our approach. The development of the black finish is another illustration of this commitment.
Originally created for special orders, including a Privilège bass clarinet, the finish quickly attracted interest from other musicians. We produced several instruments on request before deciding to make it more widely available. In 2017, Henri SELMER Paris added the black finish to its catalogue for Privilège clarinets in B♭, A and bass, as well as Presence models in B♭ and A.
The instrument’s acoustic definition and playing qualities remain unchanged. Only the keywork and fittings, including the key touches, thumb rest and rings, receive a different finish. These components feature refined, durable matt black chrome plating, providing a distinctive feel under the fingers.
Since then, requests have continued to come in and we have received many positive feedbacks and thanks. Radovan Cavallin (Principal Clarinet of the Canary Islands Philharmonic Orchestra and Professor at the Academy of Music of the OFGC) recently gave a beautiful testimony about his black Privilège Clarinet...
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« During my professional career as a clarinetist I've had the great pleasure to perform on nearly all Henri SELMER Paris models: Centered Tone, series 9, series 9*, 10S, 10S II, Recital, Signature, Privilège, with extreme satisfaction. Henri SELMER has always been one of the finest clarinet makers in the world.
With the new Black Privilège Model, the brand has brought clarinet making to a completely different level. What an extraordinary clarinet! A beautiful softness and roundness of tone, a great sound projection capable of filling the largest concert halls, easy articulation and homogeneity in all registers, impeccable intonation and ease of blending with other instruments that I highly appreciate as an orchestral musician. My most sincere congratulations to the Henri SELMER Paris house for making such a wonderful clarinet! Chapeau ! I am enjoying it every day and I highly recommend it to everyone. » |
Discover the clarinets for which the black finish is available:
► Présence Bb/A clarinet
► Privilège Bb/A clarinet
► Privilège bass clarinet
Photo credit: Laetitia Lécuyer - Bernard Doughty
