 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2006-10-09 00:00
Selmer Centered-Tone-Omega
In the mid 50s Selmer introduced a Supper-Centered-Tone-Omega. The standard Omega had the double register key. http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/Equipment/SK.jpg. This special vent gives a pure throat Bb. These Omegas sold for about double what the regular "Centered Tone" clarinet cost.
I've never had opportunity to work on one of these "double vent" Omegas but I happen to have another and more rare 'Omega CT' version. It doesn't have a double register vent. It looks like any regular "Centered Tone". The difference is wood, solid silver keys and engraving on the bell and the Lower-Joint. I have this clarinet in my collection for quite some time but I wasn't aware about the silver keys until I started an overhaul.
Selmer Paris-Omega
In the late 1990 Selmer Paris introduced Selmer-Paris-Omega. A modern Paris Omega is excellent instrument but it's not the same as the earlier original 'CT Omega' version. The bore is similar to the Selmer Series 9 star bore. Silver plated keywork is excellent and very quiet. The Selmer Paris Omega model was made to compete with the Buffet R13.
Futures: Grenadilla wood body with silver plated keys, .570" bore, undercut tone holes, reversed cone bore, 17 keys, 6 rings.
I don't remember ever seeing these on any lists or in brochures, or even on the Selmer's website etc. This clarinet was shipped to selected dealers only.
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I compared my Q-series Selmer Centered-Tone-Omega with the P-series Selmer "Centered Tone" and the modern N-series Selmer Paris-Omega. All of these instruments received fresh overhauls so I was eager to play test them side by side.
The CT and CT Omega played very similar with a great volume and a good tuning but the 'CT Omega' was a clear winner in the altissimo register.
The "Omega Paris" was a real surprise. It didn't have the same focus and center as CTs but what a gorgeous fat tone! Everything about this clarinet is thumbs-up.
Older pictures of Selmer Centered-Tone-Omega:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/download.html/1,293/CT-Omega-1957.JPG
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/download.html/1,294/CT-Omega-1957,.JPG
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/download.html/1,868/Selmer_CT_Omega_1957.JPG
There is a Selmer Omega MG295 USA version. It's intermediate level clarinet.
Vytas Krass
Clarinet Repair
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
Post Edited (2008-02-07 15:58)
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Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2006-10-09 00:37
wow. thanks for all this information. i never knew how good this Omega was. i mean i prefer it over the r13s ive tried anyday. im just dying to get my hands on a recital.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-10-09 10:28
Nice to see the CT Omega pics Vytas!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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