It’s not so easy to choose a mouthpiece! Although seemingly very simple in shape, this accessory is actually quite complex product, as essential for the beginner as for the professional. The dimensions of the various parts vary from one model to another and their combination makes it possible to obtain very different designs and produce quite different acoustic results. There is a direct relationship between the physical characteristics of the mouthpiece (chamber, baffle, bore, facing length and tip opening) and its musical and acoustic components (sonority, roundness, volume, purity and ease of blowing). Any minor variation in the size of these structures can produce quite different results! Accordingly, there is no such thing as a universal mouthpiece. This makes the choice very personal as each musician must take into account his or her own objectives and physical characteristics (embouchure, oral cavity, teeth and lip shapes). This is why the firmly established Selmer Company offers the three following series:
STANDARD SERIES - Trapeze chamber
A very popular series all over the world, used by professional clarinet players as well as students and amateurs. A wide range of opening and facing lengths will permit everybody to find a suitable piece. The “Standard” mouthpieces are available for the entire clarinet family, from the Eb to Bb contrabass.
THE "C85" SERIES - Barrel chamber
The "C85" mouthpieces have been designed to satisfy a new sound conception in clarinet playing. The “C85” has a large sound, rich in low overtones; subtly combining power and roundness, its flexibility and precision facilitate staccato, without aggressiveness. The “C85” mouthpieces are available in three openings for Eb, Bb and Bass clarinets.
THE "CP100" SERIES - Barrel chamber
The new “CP100” mouthpiece broadens the Bb clarinet mouthpiece range made by Selmer-Paris (Standard and C 85 series). The “CP 100” is a very flexible mouthpiece, suitable for solo work as much as playing within an Orchestral section. An easy blowing, richly toned mouthpiece with excellent tuning balance right over the range make the "CP 100" a versatile and tractable mouthpiece. For Bb an A clarinet only.
