Klarinet Archive - Posting 000106.txt from 1998/04

From: RCLARINET <RCLARINET@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Re: Vandoren B-45
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 09:53:23 -0500

In a message dated 4/2/98 6:44:25 PM, you wrote:

<<I recently bought a Vandoren B-46 for $100. I'm not so sure how this
compares
to a B-45, but oh well.

As I recall the B-46 is slightly more open at the tip and a little longer in
the curve. The precise information can be found in the reed/facing matching
charts which come with Vandoren reeds.
On thing that one should be aware of with Vandoren mouthpieces is that they
are all essentially the same: same chamber, same bore, same overall design.
They derive95% of their models with different facings: ie. different tip
opening and curve combinations.
Because most all have the same chamber and bore design, they sound essentially
the same.
There are two kinds of variations you will find, one calculated the other
not.
1. Calculated:
The facing variations : these only dictate which reed strengths will work
best for you.
2. Accidental:
These variations, even within the same model, are caused by:
a) variations in subtle interior dimensions due to manufacturing and bore
moulding: That's right, most of the Vandorens have moulded bores-and there
are wide variations in the bores due to shrinkage.
b)variations of subtle shape in facings, tip and rail thickness: These
variations are often not measurable, and may, to the untrained eye, seem
negligible. They, however, can and do make a huge difference in the feel and
resistance of mouthpieces within the same facing type.
c) variations in facing curve, rail proximity and subtle shape due to
mouthpieces of the same model being faced on different machines which are
adjusted slightly differently, have different cutter adjustments and, of
course, use a different, though similiar, facing template.
Compound that with a mouthpiece shell which requires several different
machining operations before it can be faced and you have a world of variation,
not just as potential, but as a reality.
Some models do have bore sizing variations, (B-45 dot) and the M-13 is a
different animal altogether than the usual Vandoren interior, being a
Chedeville style interior. It also has a facing that is unlike any other
Vandoren. The M-13 lyre is essentially the M-13 interior with the 5rv lyre
facing.
Profile 88 was an attempt to change the color of the sound by varying the
amount of material on the beak, resulting in a different beak radius and
slope.
There is, of course, much more that can be said. (For a more detailed
discussion of the various aspects of mouthpiece dimensions please see the
articles secion of my web site: http://home1.gte.net/klarinet/
But the essential message here is simple: in most cases, when you have a
different Vandoren "model" all you have is the same mouthpiece shell with a
different facing: b45, b46, 5rv, 5rv lyre, 2rv, b44, 3ud,v360, etc. The
primary effect these facings differences have is on reed strength choice, and
some variation on response, especially in the upper register.
tom