 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jeroen
Date: 2020-06-27 04:04
I've read many positive reviews on the Selmer Concept mouthpiece but no so many on the Focus mouthpiece.
Today I tested both and -quite unexpected- I prefer the Focus because of the effortless playing and good intonation also with soft reeds. Intonation is a lot better compared with the BD5 on my Buffet Festival.
The Concept, being more open, needs a stronger reed to get the same results. For me the Concept feels about the same as the BD5. However the sound is not as dark and the intonation seems better. May be I will buy one as a backup for situations when I need more power.
Are there more players that prefer the Focus above the Concept?
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2020-06-27 16:51
Well, a friend lent me his Focus mpc to test against my Concept. The one for bass, I should add.
With the Focus vs. Concept, you pretty much have the definition of an "open" vs. "closed" mpc and there's no telling which one's better, you can only attribute them as much as your personal preference.
That being said, the ebonite used on these mpcs is very high quality and works exceptionally well with Legere reeds, I might say they're the best of ANY bass mpc I've ever tested, and I've even had a Playnick Fun. Ironically, that was no "fun" to play at all compared to the Concept, though they kinda appeal to the same kind of bass clarinetist.
What I've noticed with both the Concept and Focus is that you could use the same type of reed, and one would be mistaken in thinking the Focus needs a stronger reed because of the more closed facing. Personally, I've come to believe that for both soprano and bass clarinet, it's other factors playing a greater role.
Anyways, for bass clarinet, I prefer the Concept. It invites you to "mess around" a bit more and doesn't sound too fat, while the Focus isn't as free with broad dynamics and depth of sound. Well, the tone is quite literally more focused, plus circular breathing is easier. As I've said above, great material and quality, just pick what you prefer!
Best regards
Christian
Post Edited (2020-06-27 16:59)
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2020-06-27 17:07
We all have different opinions about mouthpieces. You covered a lot of territory, reeds, 2 different mouthpieces, dark, BD5, more open tips, and your horns. In my experience the Concept needs to be worked on, refaced and a few other things done to it. Without any adjustments I like the BD5 the best. with a reworded Concept you should have a very good mouthpiece, which will meet most of your needs. The Focus mouthpieces can't be adjusted as much. The bore is a lot smaller, more like the BD5 bore. The BD5 is pretty decent too, but this might have the most open tip of the 3. In my limited experiences with these mouthpieces the Concept worked best on Buffet R13's and the Yamaha CSVR's after the mouthpiece was adjusted correctly. The bore is excellent, the length of the mouthpiece helps with tuning and the depth of the baffle is surely deeper than the BD5 and Focus mouthpieces.
What does this all mean? Play with what feels best! I've always approached playing the clarinet as enjoyment, something you don't have to work hard at to reach your goals and achievements. A responsive free blowing horn, with a lot of color to the tone, easy to play and you look forward with playing it everyday for as many hours as you wish and without embouchure pain! For me, the Concept is a perfect setup with the R13's and Yamaha's.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2020-06-27 17:13)
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Author: tdufka
Date: 2020-06-28 00:11
Christian, could you share which Legere works best for you with the Concept?
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Author: Luuk ★2017
Date: 2020-06-29 12:37
Yes, I prefer the Focus above Concept.
A year ago I switched from Leblanc Opus (after 25 years) to Selmer Signature, and the Focus came with the new clarinet. I was playing on a Viotto GI+4 mouthpiece then, and carried it over to the Signature. I tried the Focus a few times and thought it to be 'interesting'.
Now, during the Covid-19 lockdown, I decided to give it a serious try, resulting in switching to the Focus and leaving the Viotto behind. Main reason: more relaxed embouchure, more equal tone quality and better intonation, especially above G5.
While visiting my woodwind dealer I gave the Concept a short try but found it to be less comfortable, more like the Viotto (which is fairly open). So for now I stick with the Focus.
Regards,
Luuk
Philips Symphonic Band
The Netherlands
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2020-06-29 13:18
tdufka:
My BC is a Leblanc 430S which has one of the largest bores among boehm bass clarinets, so I can't actually use anything stronger than a #2 Signature. Though a #2,5 Vandoren Classic works rather effortlessly . From what I can tell, you could use at least a #2,25 on a more "embochure-friendly" BC like a Prestige. My soprano reed strength with a BD5-ish mpc is #3,25 (European Cut), so I wouldn't say it's due to a lack of practice.
Note: Don't even bother and try the regular, cheaper Legeres.
Now I'm actually torn between the Focus and Concept, as I found the Focus produces a much cleaner and easier clarion, especially the g. Oh I'm sure, I'll just end up buying that mpc too
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Author: Jeroen
Date: 2020-06-29 14:03
I have tested both mpcs in a larger hall and the Focus seems to carry the sound very well. So I have bought the Focus. It is a joy to play and that's what I need in this Covid-19 lockdown period. It would certainly be a good mpc for practising a lot with a "non-biting embouchure", see other topic.
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