Selmer Paris "Presence" Bb Clarinet Evolution 18 Key

Selmer Presence Bb Clarinet — Evolution Series

The Presence is the ultimate "universal" clarinet. For over a decade, it has set the standard for entry-level professional clarinets, offering exceptional sound quality and playing comfort. It is characterized by a rich tone and a great ease of blowing.

The sound is a blend of harmonic richness and distinctive timbre, even and responsive across the full range of the instrument. Selmer's research into tone hole position and size yields intonation that is precise and reliable, with a clarity in the throat tone register that holds steady in any acoustic environment. American clarinetists in particular will appreciate a touch of added brightness that the Presence provides without sacrificing intonational integrity.

The 18-key configuration adds the left-hand Eb/Ab key, offering expanded technical flexibility for demanding repertoire. Specifically designed keys with refined orientations and positions deliver mechanical precision and a natural feel under the fingers, giving the player confidence and control in even the most challenging passages.

The Evolution Difference

The Evolution Series brings an element of reliability and stability that has never before been seen in the professional clarinet world. A BPA-free resin is integrated into the upper joint, delivering four key advantages: greater stability in dimensional variation so the bore does not move or change; a waterproof construction that eliminates cracking; better thermal conductivity so the instrument heats up and reaches pitch more quickly; and smoother response across all registers.

Scientific studies and blind acoustic tests confirmed no notable difference in sound between traditional clarinets and Evolution system clarinets — all the reliability of modern engineering, none of the tonal compromise. Each Evolution upper joint is identified with a small star (★) near the serial number.

Tone & Performance

The Presence clarinets are exceptionally stable in tuning, perfectly adaptable to all acoustics — opera, symphony, wind band, chamber, and studio — and blend easily with other instruments.

Building on the latest advancements, while preserving the qualities that made them successful, Henri Selmer Paris introduces subtle improvements to the Presence model in terms of acoustics, ergonomics, and aesthetics.

Premium Construction

The grenadilla wood body has been naturally treated, varnished, and finished with a water repellent, ensuring excellent performance under all conditions for years to come. Construction features a 14.60mm bore, a left-hand Eb lever, metal tenon sockets, and white Gore-Tex pads with metal resonators and a cork register key. White leather pads with metal boosters are used in the low register.

Key Features at a Glance

• Boehm system, 17 or 18 keys / 6 rings
• 14.60mm bore for enhanced projection and tonal breadth
• Evolution★ system upper joint — crack-resistant, waterproof, faster pitch stabilization
• Grenadilla wood body, naturally treated and water-repellent
• Left-hand Eb lever
• Silver tenon sockets
• White Gore-Tex pads (body) + white leather pads with metal boosters (low register)
• Two barrels included: 65.5mm & 66.5mm
• Pitched at A = 442 Hz
• Evolution★ star marking near serial number

This is the 18 key version with the additional left hand Eb lever