Overview

The Selmer Paris Presence is a professional Bb clarinet that represents the latest evolution of French clarinet craftsmanship, designed to offer improved projection and tonal focus compared to its predecessors while retaining the warm, expressive character that defines the French clarinet tradition. The aged grenadilla wood body is hand-selected and seasoned to ensure consistent tonal quality and long-term stability, producing a sound that is dark and warm in the chalumeau register and bright and singing in the clarion and altissimo registers. The bore design is a new development from Selmer's acoustic engineering team, providing enhanced projection and dynamic range without sacrificing the intimacy and warmth that chamber music and solo playing demand. The silver-plated keys are beautifully crafted and fitted with the precision expected from a top Parisian workshop, with an action that is light, fast, and completely reliable. The undercut tone holes and refined pad seating contribute to the instrument's excellent response and tonal purity. The instrument is supplied with a high-quality barrel and a professional case. This clarinet is designed for professional performers, soloists, and serious students who want a French-made instrument with a modern voice. The significant investment and the instrument's sensitivity to reed and mouthpiece selection require an experienced player who can optimize the setup.

Clarinets

Professional French-made Bb clarinet with hand-selected grenadilla wood, enhanced projection, and silver-plated keys fitted with Parisian workshop precision.

Instrument Details

$6,999 Professional
Brand Selmer Paris
Type Bb Clarinet
Made In France
Year 2018
4.8 1 vote

AI Reviews

4.8 /5

The Selmer Paris Presence is a masterclass in modern acoustic engineering, positioning itself as a versatile powerhouse that challenges long-standing industry standards. While many associate Selmer with a darker, more resistant blow, the Presence offers a refreshing immediacy and a more open feel. Its bore design yields remarkably stable intonation across the registers"a feat often elusive in professional woodwinds. The silver-plated keywork is ergonomically refined, feeling snappy and reliable under the fingers, which is vital for the technical demands of contemporary repertoire.

Sonically, this clarinet delivers a sophisticated 'vocal' quality. The chalumeau is rich and resonant, while the clarion register sings with a crystalline clarity that cuts through an orchestra without sounding brittle. The use of hand-selected, aged grenadilla wood ensures a tonal depth that matures beautifully. However, players transitioning from more 'resistant' vintage instruments might find the free-blowing nature requires a period of embouchure adjustment to tame the altissimo's brilliance. At this price point, you are paying for French artistry and incredible consistency. It is an ideal choice for the professional soloist or the advanced conservatoire student seeking a distinctive, projection-forward alternative to the ubiquitous Buffet sound. While a significant investment, the craftsmanship and sonic flexibility justify the cost for those prioritizing modern response and tonal focus.

Category Ratings

Clarinets
4.8
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
Selmer Paris Presence Professional Bb Clarinet Screenshot

Added: Feb 14, 2026

selmer.fr/en-int/products/clarinette-sib-la-presence-2

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