Klarinet Archive - Posting 000446.txt from 1998/10

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Vandoren MP clarification
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 1998 15:51:38 -0400

At 11:24 AM 10/10/98 -0500, Rich Nicklay wrote:
>In a catalog, I notice there are these Vandoren mouthpieces listed <in
>addition to others>:
>(1) B45 Standard; Item #CM308
>(2) B45 Profile; Item #CM3088
>(3) B45*<dot> Standard; Item #CM309
>(4) B45#<sharp symbol> Profile; Item #CM3128
>
>And now the confusion, I hold in my hand a Vandoren MP B45 w/a lyre icon
>after the number. Can someone clarify as to which one this lyre icon is
>and as to which one is the <most common> mouthpiece? Or is the 5RV more
>common?
>
The "#" symbol was probably used in the catalog to substitute for the lyre
symbol Vandoren uses. Of the B45 series, the plain B45 is the most common;
in my experience, more common than the 5RV (I have both), but which is best
for a given individual depends upon what sort of playing he does. The 5RV
has a smaller tip opening (1.065 mm), which makes it more suitable as a
classical mouthpiece used with firmer reeds (2 1/2 to 5, according to
Vandoren). The B45 has a strong following as a general-purpose mouthpiece,
and is somewhat more open (1.195 mm, 1.27 on the lyre). Vandoren
recommends reed strengths between 2 and 4 (2 and 3 1/2 for the lyre). The
Profile 88 series have the same facings and internal dimensions, but the
thickness of the beak is reduced for a lower "profile." The mouth does not
have to be open as far with it.

Hope this helps.

Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
Essexville, MI 48732 http://members.wbs.net/homepages/z/o/o/zoot14.html
ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.

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