The clarinet is historically the very first instrument developed by Henri SELMER, a renowned clarinetist, and the Henri SELMER Paris company has been built through constant interaction with generations of musicians from all backgrounds and levels. Manufactured in Mantes-la-Ville, France, the Prologue fits within this workshop culture where acoustic excellence and finishing quality are part of the brand's DNA. This "improved" version of the Prologue retains the spirit of an accessible and musical clarinet while integrating concrete developments derived from current pedagogical practices.
The SELMER Prologue is primarily aimed at students, both teenagers and adults, as well as beginner to intermediate clarinetists seeking a reliable, rewarding, and comfortable instrument for daily use. Its balance, ease of sound production, and ergonomic approach make it ideal for conservatory learning, wind orchestra, chamber music, popular music, and an initial approach to jazz. It is a clarinet designed to quickly provide good playing sensations without limiting technical progress.
Its body made of grenadilla wood and its polycylindrical bore aim for a centered tone with appreciable homogeneity between chalumeau, clarion, and upper registers. The bore design is studied to offer excellent intonation ratios, a decisive asset when working on ear training and tuning within an ensemble. The supplied Focus mouthpiece contributes to ease of sound production and quick vibration onset, useful for stabilizing attack and sound sustain. Visually, the Delta symbol engraved on the upper body distinguishes this generation, while the removable colored rings add a rare touch of personalization on a clarinet in this category.
To complement the supplied set, you can add a Bb reed set suited to your level (progressive strength to facilitate sound production), as well as a replacement swab and a microfiber cloth for external maintenance. To improve comfort during rehearsals, a self-adhesive thumb rest cushion can also be considered depending on your posture and playing duration.