Klarinet Archive - Posting 000197.txt from 2003/08

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Mouthpiece questions
Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2003 19:01:07 -0400

At 02:17 PM 8/8/2003 -0400, Erik Tkal wrote:
>Ok, I'm sure this will spark some debate. I have a Buffet R-13 that I am
>playing with a Vandoren B45 mouthpiece. Since moving to stiffer reeds 3+,
>I find I don't really like the sound or playing of the B45 as much, so I
>want to get another mouthpiece that is more amenable to stiffer reeds.

Your setup is telling you that it does not like the stiffer reeds. Unless
there is some outside influence involved (like a band director who insists
every one play a XYZ brand #10 reed), why do you insist on moving up in
strength? The easy solution is obviously to stay with what was
working. Of course, if there are other issues, like intonation, involved,
then you probably need a new mouthpiece anyway, regardless of the reed
strength.

>For Vandoren I am contemplating the M13, M13 Lyre, 5RV and 5RV Lyre.
>Another variable in the mix seems to be the 13 series mouthpieces being
>meant for "American" 440 tuning. I have no problem tuning my B45 to 440 so
>what's the difference? Are the 13 mouthpieces slightly longer? A friend
>plays an M13 on her Buffet R-13 A clarinet and she recently got a 1mm
>shorter barrel because of tuning issues, and I'd like to avoid that if
>possible. Also, what models of Hite and Fobes are comparable to those above?

I know I have mentioned it before, but I have intonation issues with
Vandoren mouthpieces generally. I would advise trying something else, and
the Hite and Fobes models would be good places to start.

Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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