 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Max S-D
Date: 2015-07-06 01:23
Just wondering if anyone has any experiences with these. I recently made the switch from my beloved Fobes RR, which I played for 9 years, to a Vandoren B50 and have become rather enamored of the tone color, response and dynamic range of the more open mouthpiece. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did, but here I am!
While I'm not necessarily looking for more, I couldn't help but notice that Selmer's new Concept bass clarinet mouthpiece has a similar tip opening and facing length to the B50 (2.15 mm opening, 32mm facing). I know that there are other factors that will dictate a mouthpiece's sound, but it certainly seems like Selmer's mouthpiece will be in the ballpark of the Vandoren.
I can see that the Concept is now available to order on WWBW, so I might order one on trial, but it is a little difficult to click "Add to cart" for a production mouthpiece that costs the same as a made-in-San-Francisco Fobes.
Before I do that, I'd love to hear anyone else's experience with the Selmer Concept, especially if you have any experience with the Vandoren B50, if only for some reassurance that I'm not crazy for wanting to try one!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JHowell
Date: 2015-07-06 07:21
Played a bunch of them at the showroom in Paris. Not my cup of tea, but then I don't like the B50 either. Given the multiplicity of opinions that is the internet, I'd say if you're curious the very best thing to do would be to try it for yourself.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Max S-D
Date: 2015-07-07 06:08
"Given the multiplicity of opinions that is the internet, I'd say if you're curious the very best thing to do would be to try it for yourself."
You're definitely right, but, based on my own experience with the older Selmers, I'll need to order a few of the same model to pick the best one. In the interest of fiscal responsibility, it will be a little while before I'm ready to order three $300 mouthpieces in one go, even if at least two of them are going back.
My music spending has gotten a little out of control over the last few months and my bank account needs a breather. Talking about equipment on the internet may not be a very effective way to make these decisions, but at least it is free!
Post Edited (2015-07-07 06:08)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Max S-D
Date: 2015-08-18 00:40
Bumping this thread to see if anyone else has had a chance to try these out. They are still very expensive in the US - almost 50% more expensive at WWBW than I am seeing on European online retailers! This has definitely given me some pause in trying them out, especially as I've been hunting for a new soprano clarinet mouthpiece.
I'm still curious about these, especially if they can offer a similar response and dynamic range to the Vandoren B50, but with a bit more warmth in the tone.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: EBC
Date: 2015-08-19 02:08
It's something of a coincidence, but I just switched from a B50 to a newly-bought Selmer Concept, chosen from a field of about 30 mouthpieces, last week. The few B50s I have known were excellent, but this Selmer Concept (the only one I've been able to try) was more my style. I felt it had a more centered, rich tone and allowed greater ease in the clarion and altissimo. Tuning was similar.
Eric
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Max S-D
Date: 2015-08-19 09:21
Oof. That's what I was afraid of. Now I'm going to have to order one to try out. I was kind of hoping you'd say it was no good.
Thanks for nothing!
Just kidding. I think I'll have to try one out when I get my refund from WWBW for the two Fobes Bb mouthpieces I sent back. Thanks for sharing.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: SHJ
Date: 2015-08-19 18:39
[Disclaimer: I play on a B50]
It depends on what you're looking for. If you like having a more soprano clarinet-like set up with greater control, the Selmer Concept is an excellent choice. If you want more flexibility and projection without needing to sacrifice tone, you'd be well off with a B50. The only general weak point of the B50 I found was that control is harder in softer dynamics.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: EBC
Date: 2015-08-20 00:07
[Disclaimer: I know SHJ, and he's a much better bass player than I. I'd take his advice over mine any day. That being said, we both seem to think the Concept is worth your time.]
Eric
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Max S-D
Date: 2015-08-20 07:47
I'll have to try one for myself. I love the B50 in most regards, but I do agree with you, SHJ, about the issue of control at softer dynamics. It almost feels like subtoning on a saxophone at times, though obviously there is nowhere near as much resistance in the low register as a saxophone. It's not anything that I haven't figured out how to work with, but growing smoothly from pianissimo to fortissimo can be a bit more challenging than on my old Fobes.
If the Concept makes that any easier without sacrificing the clear, powerful, even tone and reassuring dynamic "headroom" of the B50, it just might be worth the extra money.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kenton153
Date: 2015-08-29 21:31
now i must chime in by asking you guys about the focus.... i assume if you tried the concept there's a chance you tried the focus with it?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
