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Selmer C85 105 mouthpiece

Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2019-10-11 04:44

I have researched through YouTube and can't find anyone playing the Selmer C85 105 mouthpiece. I have no idea as to what it sounds like.

Would anyone care to give their very subjective description of the tonal qualities of this mouthpiece?

Thanks.

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Re: Selmer C85 105 mouthpiece

Author: Luuk ★2017
Date: 2019-10-11 11:20

I played a C85 120 in the early nineties. I found intonation and playability fine, but sound somewhat broad or unfocused. Switched to Vandoren in the end (maybe B40 at the time - it's long ago).

Subjective, indeed.

Regards,

Luuk
Philips Symphonic Band
The Netherlands

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Re: Selmer C85 105 mouthpiece

Author: John Peacock
Date: 2019-10-11 13:00

I use a C85 120 and am really very happy with it. I'd describe the sound as clear, as opposed to what I perceive as a slightly dull and muffled quality in the B40, which is a very common choice in the UK today. The most similar Vandoren mouthpiece that I found is the M30 Lyre. But the Selmer gives a warmer sound than the M30 or any other Vandoren I've tried. So for me it's a good middle ground where you can play smoothly with not so much edge, but still project when needed. Totally different to the mouthpieces Selmer are making today.

But of course you asked about the C85 105. I've never tried that, but the C85 115 was too closed for me, so I imagine the 105 would be significantly worse. Although maybe reed strength could compensate. I use V12 3.5 on the 120, so 4 or up might give decent results on the 105 - certainly the chamber will be the same as on the 120, and that's a good part of the sound.

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Re: Selmer C85 105 mouthpiece

Author: ACCA
Date: 2019-10-17 18:56

I found that I can play longer on C85's (I've tried all 3) than on any other piece I've tried. (Settled on 115 after finding 105 too stuffy and 120 too bright and edgy for me.)
I found most vandoren's too resistant in terms of air/blowing, regardless of facing.
There must be something about the interior design of the chamber/ bore that allows for excellent projection and presence and ease of blowing. The facing of a C85 115 is quite similar to a 5RVlyre or similar medium vandoren.
Does anyone know why the "feel" of these pieces is so different? or know of similar pieces out there, in terms of chamber and bore design?

apologies in advance if I've hijacked the thread and gone slightly off topic!

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