The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Roger
Date: 2001-05-16 05:59
I was wondering if anyone knew about the Selmer (USA) Omega MG295? I wanted to know if this was a professional or intermediate clarinet? Is it a bad or good clarinet? I have an opportunity to buy one at a pretty decent price & I've looked here on the internet about this particular instrument, but haven't been able to find much. Any help would be much appreciated.
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Author: David Kinder
Date: 2001-05-16 06:25
I tried out a couple at Anaheim Band Instruments here in so cal. I would consider them to be a higher-end intermediate clarinet. (I think the one I tried had gold-plating.) It wasn't a bad clarinet at all. It had an adjustable thumbrest and a good tone (if I remember right). It's been a couple of years since I've seen one. Now the one I tried was brand new. If it's older, then I don't think I could help you much.
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Author: Roger
Date: 2001-05-16 06:28
Thanks for the response. It is a new clarinet that I was looking at. This one has the silver plating on the keys.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2001-05-16 11:22
I think you should do more research before buying. You need to distinguish between the Selmer Omega Paris (excellent reviews), and the Selmer Omega (USA).
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-05-16 15:33
The Selmer USA Omega has given my local dealer/friend such fits that he no longer buys it. He does, however, carry and recommend the Paris Omega (as mentioned above). There is a huge difference in the two. I've played both and would highly recommend the Paris version. If you have an opportunity to purchase the USA model at a really reduced price (say $500.00 or under) then you should probably buy it.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-05-16 21:46
Roger -
As I understand it, the USA Omega is sold only through certain high-volume dealers. It's an intermediate level instrument in grenadilla.
In the mid-1950s, Selmer briefly had a high-end Omega model made in Paris -- a tweaked Centered Tone model. I played a pair for several years and felt a big step up when I switched to Buffet R-13s. You can tell these 1950s Omegas by wreaths carved on the bell and the bottom of the lower joint and a special double register vent that gives a pure throat Bb. There's a picture of it here on Sneezy at http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/Equipment/SK.jpg .
The 1950s Omegas come up on eBay from time to time, but the sellers usually have unrealistic expectations of what they are worth - about the same as 1950s Centered Tones, which go for $500 or a little more.
I didn't think there is a modern Paris Omega, but I may be wrong. I couldn't find either a U.S. or a Paris model on the Selmer site <www.selmer.com/>.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Bill
Date: 2001-05-16 22:01
The Paris Omega is what Tom Ridenour refers to as proprietary. It's sold only by authorized dealers. It's available.
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Author: Roger
Date: 2001-05-18 05:47
Thanks for the responses & my research goes on. If anyone else has any thoughts, I would be very appreciative.
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