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- Matched Pair of Selmer Privilege Clarinets
Matched Pair of Selmer Privilege Clarinets
These are a pair of very good condition Selmer Paris Privilege Clarinets, which are a commission sale for Clarinets Direct. This is Selmer's flagship model and this pair were hand selected at the Selmer factory, in Paris France, by their sole UK professional owner. Selmer Privilege clarinets are undoubtedly among the best designed French instruments worldwide, featuring many improvements over other manufacturer's models. These include a metal tenon insert at the top of the lower joint and a sculpted rear touchpiece for the register key. Overall the impression is that the key work ergonomics are superb, and the design is built to withstand many years of professional use. The upper joint features a large reversed cone which narrows to 14.6mm. This results in exceptionally accurate twelfths, and overall the intonation is superior to most other French designed instruments today.
Bb clarinet, S/N QO5540: The wood is in good condition, but there is a small crack repair to the upper joint, see photo 9. This surface crack runs down into the register tone hole, and occurred shortly after purchase, it has no effect whatsoever on the response. All the Silver plate key work is in very good condition. The look and solid feel of the key work is far superior to most contemporary Buffet manufacture. The white leather pads, whilst used, are all sealing well, and will be good for many months to come. The lower pads feature metal reflectors for improved sound emission. The 2 original Selmer barrels are of 66.5mm, & 65.5mm.
The A clarinet has seen less use than the Bb. The wood is in excellent condition, with no cracks or repairs. The Silver plate is very fine, and the pads are similar to the Bb. The 2 original Selmer barrels are of 66.5mm, & 65.5mm, and it is possible that the longer barrel has either a very tight surface crack or pronounced wood grain. The matching serial numbers are QO 4217. The original Selmer case is of excellent design, and is in good used condition. This pair currently sell new for well in excess of £8000.