This week, Henri SELMER launched their latest new product – the Echo clarinet mouthpiece.
Henri SELMER made the decision to relaunch its clarinet mouthpiece business in 2014, keen to return to its original business. They began making clarinet and saxophone mouthpieces in the 1910s and made their first ebonite model in the 1940s, the “Artiste”.
The Echo plays a key part in Henri SELMER Paris revisiting their past, and expanding their range of clarinet mouthpieces. They strive to offer modern designs that reflect the requirements of today’s clarinettists, whilst reinforcing the image of Henri SELMER Paris clarinets, their first instrument.
Development of the Echo
Henri SELMER Paris’s Research and Development team worked closely with internationally renowned clarinettists, Philippe Berrod and Jérôme Verhaeghe, to develop this clarinet mouthpiece.
The new Echo mouthpiece is a resounding success! Combining playing comfort, a richness of tone that is never harsh and accurate sound emission…a pleasure to play it for demanding ears.
Philippe Berrod, Orchestre de Paris
According to a conductor, the Bb Echo mouthpiece gives me a ‘luminous’ sound. Homogeneity and flexibility of play are of unparalleled comfort. I can play Wagner at the Paris Opera without getting tired while also maintaining excellent sound quality.
Jérôme Verhaeghe, Orchestre de l’Opéra de Paris
Manufacturing
The mouthpieces are made using high-precision five-axis digitally controlled machines. Such machines are also used for precision watchmaking, and allow the company to capitalise on new technologies specific to SELMER mouthpieces. This is the first Henri SELMER Paris mouthpiece to be made entirely on a digital machine, making it incredibly consistent, accurate and reliable.
Along with all other Henri SELMER Paris mouthpieces, the Echo is manufactured in Mantes-la-Ville, France.
The Sound of the Echo
Henri SELMER Paris has designed this mouthpiece to offer clarinettists total comfort, and promise acoustics with a round yet colourful sound. The sound is easily adjustable, and the ratios between the registers have been finely balanced. Due to the small step positioned at the exit of the bore, this mouthpiece offers good projection. The throat tones are also incredibly stable.
Specifications
- Table Opening: 1.08mm
- Table Length: 22mm
- Material: Hard Rubber
- Chamber: Trapezoidal
- Pitch: 440 to 442 Hz
To order your Henri SELMER Paris Echo clarinet mouthpiece from the British Band Instrument Company, please contact us here.