Klarinet Archive - Posting 000154.txt from 2000/03

From: Fernando Silveira <clarineta@-----.br>
Subj: Re: [kl] Clarinet Pitch/Vandoren 13 Series Mouthpieces
Date: Sat, 4 Mar 2000 20:27:53 -0500

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Hi Andrew, I am not an expert in it but I would like to exchange ideas =
with you.
The main diference betwen the 13 series and the standard series is the =
lenght of the mouthpieces - I say that because I know that the same =
machine is used to make both(I mean the same bore, tip, etc.)
You said you own a pair of RC clarinets. I have the information that RC =
are tuned to be played with A@-----. I never saw in any =
Buffet clarinet's body somethink saying that it is 442 or 440, I just =
have the information the RC@-----.
The new models of Selmer have in its lower joint a A@-----. =
My own horn have it. But, in Brazil, we play A=3D442 and I had some pich =
problems with it. So, I ordered a small barrel and now it works =
perfectly with A=3D442(even 443 or 444 when trumpets at the orchestra =
push me up!).
I felt the the throat tone became a litle sharp, but I preffer it sharp =
then flat!

Best

Fernando

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Fernando Silveira
Clarinet Professor - Rio de Janeiro University - Brazil
Rio de Janeiro Municipal Theater Symphony Orchestra
Selmer/Vandoren Artist
fsilveira@-----.br
-----Mensagem original-----
De: Andrew J Middup <Middup@-----.com>
Para: klarinet@-----.org>
Data: S=E1bado, 4 de Mar=E7o de 2000 16:19
Assunto: [kl] Clarinet Pitch/Vandoren 13 Series Mouthpieces
=20
=20
When Buffet offer instruments for different pitches(e.g. A =3D 440, =
442 or 444), is there any difference in the spacing/size of tone holes =
or is it purely a difference in barrel length?
=20
I ask this because I am trying to understand the how the =
characteristics of the Vandoren "13" series mouthpieces differ from the =
standard range. The UK sales literature for these suggest that they are =
developed "specifically for American clarinettists using A440 pitch". If =
the upper and lower joints of clarinets for different pitches are =
different, then surely these would be designed for a 'standard ' =
mouthpiece and the barrel length would be selected to match. If the =
different clarinet pitch comes from barrel length alone, there must be a =
compromise in tuning the throat notes with those at the low end of the =
registers but again why should a further adjustment in the mouthpiece be =
necessary?
=20
In my own case I have happily been using Vandoren B40 mouthpieces =
with my pair of Buffet RC (A440) clarinets for over ten years. I find =
that I need to replace a mouthpiece every 3/4 years because of subtle =
changes which take place and when I changed six weeks ago, I bought a =
B40 - 13 instead of the standard B40. Over most of the range I am =
playing 15-20 cents in pitch lower than I was with the last B40. From =
what I have read on this list, this difference might just be variation =
between two mouthpieces of the same type but by my crude calculations =
this is equivalent to the difference between an A444 and an A440 =
instrument and it set me thinking as to why it should be necessary to =
design a special mouthpiece with this effect given that the instrument =
was supplied to play at A440 in the first place.
=20
If anyone could help to clarify my thinking on this I would be =
grateful.
=20
Andrew

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