Klarinet Archive - Posting 000057.txt from 2006/07

From: Nick Phillips <nickphil19@-----.uk>
Subj: [kl] Alto clarinet mouthpiece
Date: Sun, 09 Jul 2006 03:22:46 -0400

I got an alto clarinet last December and got a standard Vandoren B40 mouthpiece at the same time: result an instument that was not in tune with itself and was quite difficult to play in the clarion registers. Gradually I practised with it and got slightly better, took some advice off this list and tried some different reeds and got slightly better.

The real breakthrough came when I took the plunge and bought a new mouthpiece (made by Walter Grabner). Now I have an instrument that is at least in tune with itself and I can produce a uniform tone from throughout the the chalameau, clarion and up into the altissimo registers. Any other issues with the sound are down to me!!

Moral: If you are serious about the alto clarinet, then pay a bit for a good mouthpiece. however if you want that B40 mouthpiece you are welcome to it, for the cost of postage from the UK. Email me off list.

best wishes

Nick Phillips

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