 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Alyra
Date: 2004-03-17 14:01
I have a Buffet B13 and am soon going to order some stuff from the US - so want to do it all at once (there is not much of a range here in Oz it seems) - Has anyone any reccomendations for a mouthpiece and ligature? I need new of both - the mouthpiece I have is the stock standard one, and the ligature is in need of replacing.
I am only a re-starter - playing in the local district concert band - and would call myself a bit more than a beginner (3rd clarinet at the moment). Any advice would be much appreciated on what to buy.
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Author: bob49t
Date: 2004-03-17 19:18
There's plenty of opinions on mouthpieces and ligatures on "search" here.
However, here's one suggestion, (I get no commission)
Try Walter Grabner for mouthpieces- he's a sponsor here, is great to deal with and may even send you a couple to try.
My choice lig at present is the Francois Louis ligature.
Both above have websites you can access.
Give Gonzalez FOF a shot and ATG system of reed prep.
You'll either get a lot of "read previous strings" replies or loads of opinions contrary to the one above. Good luck in your quest.
Read GBK on "ligatures" thread on this page - good stuff
BobT
BobT
Post Edited (2004-03-17 19:21)
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Author: potatohead
Date: 2004-03-17 21:44
(Disclamer: I am not a professional--- actually, not even close to being so)
I don't know that much, so I'll give you my set up. Haha. I use a Vandoren 5RV Lyre with a Bonade ligature. I'm sure there are better ones out there, though.
MG
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Author: Taxijazz
Date: 2004-03-18 06:34
It depends upon what type of sound you want to get; what type of music you like to play, and what you are comfortable with.
I have about 50 mouthpieces that I use depending on my mood that are all different.
If you want to just try something different than what you have without spending much money you might consider a Clark Fobes Debut and a Rico Royal if you want new mouthpieces (about $35 ea.); Or if you want used you can try an old Selmer, a Vandoren, a vintage Woodwind Steel Ebonite, and you might have a good contrast and cheap with these three (maybe $25 or less ea.); If you want what a lot of people think are the best and you are rich get a Kaspar, and a LeLandais Chedville (maybe $300-$800 ea).
You can approach your experimentation to find your personal taste by trying mouthpieces made of different materials-- Hard Rubber, Plastic, wood and Glass.
Mitchell Lurie Crystal might produce the sweetest tone with the most consistency, but again it's a matter of taste--And it might feel like putting a rock in your mouth, plus they break easy.
I might take this crystal or a Selmer Clarion Crystal; a Brilhart Tonalin; an old Selmer (with writing on the face); a Sumner Acousticut; and a Fobes 'San Francisco' if I was going out of town and only wanted to take five mouthpieces and feel like I had everything. But someone else might prefer a Greg Smith, a Vandoren...Along with something else I wouldn't like at all.
It's very much a matter of personal taste, but I can give a reasonable recommendation: get a half dozen mouthpieces that are all different and rotate them in your practice sessions until you find out what thrills you.
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Author: Alyra
Date: 2004-03-18 09:46
I have come to the conclusion now that I want a van doren mouthpiece (and being that I live in Australia, and therefore, the cost of the mouthpiece will be dramatically more because of the exchange rate, I can't afford to just get half a dozen...)
But do I get a B:45 or a M15?
I play in a concert band, mainly concert band type of stuff....I realise that the M15 takes harder reeds but is there any pros cons? what would people choose?
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2004-03-18 10:17
I play an M15 because I prefer reeds on the hard side of middling, and I like the sound I get from it.
However, it is not really a very good choice for concert band, because it is difficult to play very loudly on an M15. (On the other hand, my mistakes are less obvious that way....)
The M15 is also not ideal for the pitch bends and so on you will find in the jazzy end of the repertoire.
But you can't (or shouldn't) choose a mouthpiece just by what other people play. There's no point choosing a B45, which is the better choice in theory, if you don't enjoy playing it.
I don't know how limited the choice really is in Oz. I can't believe there aren't some good shops in the main cities. I would have thought you'd do much better to buy at a shop with a choice of half-a-dozen mouthpieces to try on the premises, rather than from an internet retailer with a choice of half-a-hundred that have to be packed and sent half-way around the world.
-----------
If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: Alyra
Date: 2004-03-18 10:24
mmm unfortunately I am not on the eastern seaboard, and while we do have a major music shop here, they are absolutely useless. They never even have proper stock of reeds etc. - and the range/stock is shocking (as well as overpriced).
I definately don't want to go on what other people like - but grateful for opinions. I'm currently using the stock standard buffet mouthpiece that came with my B:13 and I really struggle anything above middle B - and I know it's not me - I never struggled on my artley so perhaps that had a better mouthpiece - but that is gone now so no idea what that had..
Sounds like the M15 might be bad for concert band indeed
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Author: Alyra
Date: 2004-03-19 02:07
Well, I bit the bullet, ordered a Van Doren BF45 trad. - here's hoping I like it it :O
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Author: Steve B.
Date: 2004-03-19 13:57
I use a 5RV lyre for concert band. As David said, I find it to difficult to project with the M15. I used to use a B45, but it sounds stuffy in the low register and is hard to play with 3.5 reeds. The 5RV lyre is sort of a compromise.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-03-19 14:54
Many people like the 5RV Lyre. It's a popular choice. Remember, just cause you ordered a B45 to try out doesn't mean you HAVE to keep it. If you don't like the way it feels, and it's too open or closed for you, try again. Trying different mouthpieces is one of the joys (or pains . . . depends who's talkin) of what it takes to find the right one. As for me, I would LOVE to do nothing but try mouthpieces every day. Others HATE the search and get frustrated and "settle" on something that 'sort of works'. Don't SETTLE unless you really like it. Cause if you don't like the B45, there's still about two hundred others out there you can try. And you're bound to like one of those EVENTUALLY.
Alexi
PS - Don't underestimate the value of a good quality, hand-faced mouthpiece. Sure the vandoren's are cheaper, but a mouthpiece is more of an investment since you can play on the same mouthpiece for a VERY long time (rest of your career even if you wanted). So pick a good one. Even if it means spending a little more than you thought.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Alyra
Date: 2004-03-19 23:00
At $50 US postage (around $75 AUD), a pop, I ain't about to try every mouthpiece they have !!
But yes, if I hate the B45, I'll be sure to look for something else. At the moment I'm really struggling with high notes on the one that came with the clarinet - it's terrible!
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-03-19 23:06
Whoops! Didn't catch that you were overseas. Hmmm. That could prove tough for a US to AU order. I'm fresh out of ideas then.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2004-03-20 19:36
Alyra wrote:
At $50 US postage (around $75 AUD), a pop, I ain't about to try every mouthpiece they have !!
Alyra,
This sounds pretty high to me unless the shipment is USPS "Global Express Guaranteed" (2-3 days). I have bought recordings from Australia, Hong Kong and Europe as well as other musical items from Europe and never paid much more than around $5-$10 US for shipping. A 2 lb. package from the U.S. to Australia with [length + width + depth] no more than 36" shouldn't run more than $15-$20 U.S. (Global Priority Mail or Airmail Letter Post -- 4-7 days) If your supplier is charging $50, you might want to check on other suppliers.
BTW, I hope you like the Vandoren. If not, I would second taxijazz's recommendation of a Fobes Debut. It is a well-made, inexpensive plastic mouthpiece with (IMO) a "middle of the road" facing that duplicates the facing of his intermediate (Nova) model and one of his professional models should you want to upgrade later. Many good music teachers recommend it for their beginning students but (again IMO) it is far more than just a good beginner's mouthpiece.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: laughhearty
Date: 2004-03-21 00:52
Hi Alyra,
I'm just starting up the clarinet again after 20 years of silence. Had a lesson on Friday and my teacher hooked me up. My standard mouthpiece was horrible.
I was playing 1 1/2 reeds on it. She asked me if I was an asthmatic.
We tested several mouth pieces and reed thicknesses. I came out of the shop with the Vandor B45 and Michel Lurie 3's. I too was frustrated with the upper register now I'm sounding better. I also purchased a Rovner Lite L5 ligature.
I really like the tones I getting now.
Alicia
"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my
chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great
and noble."
- Helen Keller, Author and Inspiration
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Author: Alyra
Date: 2004-03-29 01:32
Well, just a follow-up, the stuff I ordered arrived, including a traditional B45 mouthpiece - I love it already! It is ten times better than the buffet one that came with the clarinet (I guess the stories are true!) and the high notes not only sound a lot better, but are a lot easier to do. Definately pleased with my purchase
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2004-03-29 13:30
Right off the mark I would say a good mouthpiece that is hand made will yeild excellent results...Walter Grabner may be of service....I have tried his mouthpiece and love the response and tone they have.
Recently, I have had some students purchase his Kaspar copy from Woodwind and Brasswind. Super sound and decently priced for such high end craftsmanship! They are now being used in the regional youth orchestra with great projection and tone by my students!
David Dow
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Author: Amy Tindall
Date: 2004-03-30 22:44
I've played on many mouth pieces and have decided that Jewel custom DMK/AC mouthpiece is one of the best. I currently take lessons from Arthur Campbell (AC he play tests them all) and I would certainly take his mouth piece over any other. It does wonders! It produces a rich dark sound, but can capture a sweet sweet sound. And the response is optimal! I would definetely recommend you trying it out!
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2004-03-31 16:29
Just for reference - I charge $6 for mailing mouthpieces to Australia.
The hang-up for most vendors is that you have to fill out a customs form, sign it, and hand carry the package to the postoffice.
I automated the process so it takes me about two minutes to generate the customs form, and I am at the post office two or three times a week anyway.
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
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