Klarinet Archive - Posting 000094.txt from 2001/08

From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] Vandoren B-45 and B-46 Mouthpieces
Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2001 16:30:43 -0400

At 12:58 PM 08/08/2001 -0500, you wrote:
>I would like to receive your advise on the B-45 and B-46 Vandoren
>mouthpieces. Which of the two has more
>tip opening? Does this means that the more the tip opens the easier it is
>to play? I know that the B-45
>is one of the most famous mouthpieces around but I want to make sure wich
>of the two is more open and
>easier to play.

Robert,

The B46 is more open. It was originally designed as a jazz mouthpiece.

Easier to play? Hmmmm........neither or......both. It depends on you,
your reed, your approach. As a general rule however, less open mouthpieces
are easier to control, and the reed blows softer on them than on more open
mouthpieces......I hope that answers your questions?

As an aside - to quote Richard Hawkins, "One of the worst mouthpieces a
student can play on is the B45 - and I've seen more problems as a result of
that mouthpiece than any other mouthpiece."

I would add to that comment another - that as true as that statement may
be, it is even more true for the B46.

Of course - this is the opinion of only one or two people. There are many
who believe they have had great success with the B45. I just don't know
any major artist who plays on one..................anyone else?

Best wishes,
Roger Garrett

Roger Garrett
Clarinet Professor
Director, Symphonic Winds
Illinois Wesleyan University
School of Music
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
Phone: (309) 556-3268
Fax: (309) 556-3121

"A man never discloses his own character so clearly as when he describes
another's."
Jean Paul Richter (1763-1825)

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