Maison SELMER
Smoothness, freedom, inspiration… Discover the Muse clarinet!
Building on the success of the new generation of clarinets (Privilège, Présence, Prologue), the Bb and A* Muse clarinets have been designed for musicians seeking instruments offering a very precise and direct response. The Muse clarinets evoke the artists’ source of inspiration to lead them to creative freedom, beauty, universal harmony...
Muse, get inspired & inspire
We are presenting you with this new instrument for playing with great ease. Designed to become the natural extension of your breath, each note has clarity and immediate vibration.
For four years, the Henri SELMER Paris development team and orchestra clarinet players from different countries brought together for this project, have been combining their knowledge and experience to produce the Muse set of professional clarinets.
With optimized ergonomics, tone rich in harmonics and well calibrated intonation with precise intervals, Muse clarinets were designed to become both tools and accomplices for clarinet players. They benefit from the excellent manufacturing quality of Henri SELMER Paris clarinets, carefully selected woods and an outstanding reliability thanks to the EVOLUTION★ system (increased stability and longevity).
Sound quality
The Muse clarinets have a clear, colorful, warm tone. Musicians are also attracted by its ease of response, its accuracy and its great homogeneity (in the intervals and switching from note to note).
- New conical bores for both 64 and 65mm barrels
- New conical bores of the body
- G# C# precision optimized by a raised tone hole
- New geometry of the holes
- New bell bores
- Placement and correction tone hole of low F and E notes on the lower joint.
Available at launch in 18-key Bb clarinet, the MUSE family has expanded in may with the release of a 19-key Bb clarinet (correction key) and an A clarinet.
Ergonomic comfort
The Muse clarinet offers an ergonomic comfort similar to the one on our Privilège and Présence models, tested by numerous clarinetists worldwide.
The design of the keywork allows for a very quick adaptation to the instrument. In addition, the A clarinet* has an adjustable thumb spatula for the low F and E correction key (also available on the Bb clarinet).
EVOLUTION★ system
The EVOLUTION★ system has been integrated to the Muse clarinet. This innovation based on a new generation resin interior lining, providing better stability and longevity to the instrument, while preserving the acoustic qualities of the traditional wooden clarinet.
The interior diameter of the upper joint is enlarged, only on the upper half, to add the resin. The final boring is then done in a traditional way – by hand and using the same tools. Our production process in addition to the sealing properties of the resin create a hermetic envelope, which prevents the infiltration of moisture into the wood fibers and solves the problem of cracks on the most fragile part of the instrument.
Scientific studies along with blind acoustic tests demonstrated that there is no notable difference in sound between traditional clarinets and EVOLUTION★ system clarinets.
Moreover the thermal conductivity characteristics of the resin are superior to those of ebony: clarinets fitted with the EVOLUTION★ system heat up more quickly and ensure the pitch is more stable. Practical for changing clarinets quickly!
Refined design
The refined aesthetics of these clarinets add to the pleasure of playing them!
The original laser engraving on the bottom body of the instrument is inspired by the values of generosity, listening and transmission of the musical practice. The feather symbolizes lightness and creative freedom.
To complete their aesthetics, the Muse clarinets have two flat black chrome-plated metal rings, as well as two silver-plated rings with a new design.
Accessories
- Echo mouthpiece: Echo is a universal mouthpiece suitable for all clarinetists and the first Henri SELMER Paris clarinet mouthpiece to be entirely manufactured on a digitally controlled machine, giving it an unprecedented production stability.
- PRiSMe single or double case
- Silver-plated ligature and cap
- Maintenance kit (swab, cork grease, soft cloth)
- Inspirational notebook: offered with every purchase of a Muse clarinet, this exclusive 160-page notebook was created by Henri SELMER Paris in collaboration with clarinetist Kinan Azmeh. This notebook will unleash the creativity of each artist through unique reflections and exercises.
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«The Muse clarinets are surprisingly easy to use, with a sound that remains centred on the entire length of the instrument. The left-hand notes are naturally rounded and colorful, making it extremely easy to move between registers.» Sylvie Hue, Orchestre de la Garde Républicaine de Paris
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«The Muse clarinet is a real revolution in the world of modern clarinets. It offers clarity in tone, ease of use, great precision and, most importantly, a sound that has soul, that speaks to you.» Florent Pujuila, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
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«I love the very soft, lively sound, I would even say that the Muse clarinets are “charming”. All the registers are very consistent and ergonomic, very comfortable, allowing me to play extremely technical passages with great confidence.» Maura Marinucci, Brussels Philharmonic
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«In an orchestra, its great stability of precision along with this richness of sound, toned, ample and rounded, give Muse its “chameleon” character, which is vital for blending with different harmonious instruments.» François Sauzeau, Orchestre National de Lyon
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«With the Muse clarinets we have designed instruments with tone that have both clarity and depth at the same time. A feeling of flexibility enables you to tackle all the repertoires with ease and to naturally master the intonation, no matter what the nuances.» Philippe Berrod, Orchestre de Paris
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«The new Selmer Muse is a fantastic synergy of Henri Selmer Paris's best attributes: solid keywork, beautiful balanced sound, intonation, precision and a response that leaves you feeling like you can play all colors and styles with ease.» Mariam Adam, Université Vanderbilt Nashville, USA
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«With the Muse, I feel that I have an infinite color palette and that even the slightest musical intention is immediately audible.» Myriam Carrier, Orchestre National d'Île-de-France
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