Klarinet Archive - Posting 000032.txt from 2008/10

From: "Kevin Fay" <kevin.fay.home@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] E-flat clarinet mouthpieces
Date: Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:17:46 -0400

Gary Van Cott asked re eepher mouthpieces:

<<<I have been considering purchasing my own mouthpiece and was curious if
anyone has any suggestions for things to try? I looked at the WWBW
catalog and was thinking about ordering a Fobes Nova and Vandoren 5RV (I
used to play one on soprano) to try. I wouldn't want to spend any more
than the $119.95 that the Fobes costs. There are other Vandoren
mouthpieces and a Hite and Portnoy in this price range.>>>

Gary - Eb is tough.

I play a lot of Eb - every Monday in the Washington Wind Symphony (see
www.washingtonwindsymphony.org). Before I ended up with one of Greg
Smith's, with a Dan Johnston before that, I tried a *pile* of stock
mouthpieces. The only one that I found serviceable was the Hite. I
disliked the Vandorens intensely; while other folks can play them fine, they
didn't work for me at all.

That's my experience, which at one (1) isn't a terribly statistically
significant sample by any means.

I haven't tried Clark Fobes' Eb, but if his Debut Bb is any indication, it
should be terrific and cost-effective piece.

My advice would be to order the Hite and the Fobes and send back the one I
didn't like.

kjf

------------------------------------------------------------------