Klarinet Archive - Posting 000158.txt from 2001/12

From: Mark B <markbmtl@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] new member
Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 21:13:31 -0500

For the mouthpiece...if you're used to V12 reeds, try
something with a more closed facing like a Vandoren
M/V 13 (but those can be extreme for some players).
Make sure when you go to purchase it, you have a
variety of mouthpieces to try...I wouldn't recommend
just ordering a mouthpiece based on advice you
get...It might not necessarily change your sound but
it is possible there are more comfortable ones out
there. And certain ones that look fine and are quite
popular might end up being just terrible.

As for the ligature....I've found the most important
thing to be that the reed stays in place while
transferring the mouthpiece from Bb to A and back.
Some ligatures do make a little difference but as long
as you have something that feels comfortable you don't
have to go out and spend a lot.

As for clarinets....well...it depends (just like
everything else....go ambiguity!). If it works for
you now, don't worry about it. Currently I play on a
buffet E-11 that i've had for years, and it has gotten
me into a school like this and many other places just
fine. By the time I get my bachelor's I'd like to
have a new one, but it's not that pressing. As long
as the mechanism is solid (François Kloc and Pascal
Véraquin souped my E-11 up), and the intonation is ok
(unfortunately mine is a bit sharp), and the tone is
not too bright (I can get pretty good tone, but it's a
little bright which is why I'll eventually get a new
one), then you should be fine. I'm sure others have
things to add/re-word/contradict my advice but you'll
pick up on similar questions and comments in the
future.

Good luck!
Mark

--
Mark A. Bradley
McGill University
Montréal, Québec

--- Jessica Haines <treblinka@-----.com> wrote:
> Hello everyone!
> I've just joined this group and im enjoying reading
> the posts very much. I hope to get involved in some
> discussions soon and would just like to introduce
> myself...as well as get an opinion from some of the
> pros here..
>
> My name is Jess. Im 16 and i am the 1st chair
> Clarinetist and Concertmistress(master?) for both of
> my schools two concert bands. I participate in solo
> competitions and concerto competitions on a regular
> basis..having made these and the various positions
> in festivals that i obtain from them the majority of
> my musical activities. Ive been playing i
> think..about 6 years next summer...i started the
> summer i turned 10.
> Anyway..i wanted an opinion on my setup. I will soon
> begin preparing audition material for college
> auditions and would like to see if i could upgrade
> my setup to bring me the best possible playing
> conditions. Im using a wooden Selmer Signet Special
> circa...about 1954. My mouthpiece is a very well
> used and reliable Vandoren B45 and a Rovner
> ligature( a little black leather thing with one
> screw). I've recently begun using Vandoren V12 size
> 3 reeds. I have no desire to get a new
> clarinet...but i plan to purchase a new mouthpiece
> and perhaps a new ligature soon and would welcome
> any suggestions.
> Thank you!
> ~Jess H.

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