 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rgoldem
Date: 2007-06-21 13:02
I used to play on an old Yamaha 72 which is very free blowing and has excellent intonation. After playing on this instrument for several years I decided to upgrade and I recently bought a Leblanc Concerto II. It is a wonderful instrument but I still didn´t find a way of playing it with less effort (it is quite resistant when compared to the Yamaha). Also, twelfths are a bit large. I have been trying several mouthpieces (the most open would be a B45) and I am used to relatively soft reeds. Should I try a harder reed for better projection and intonation? However, this will require even more effort. Should I try a really opened mouthpiece? What about a new barrel? All suggestions are welcome. Thanks.
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Author: William
Date: 2007-06-21 14:29
"Yamaha 72 which is very free blowing and has excellent intonation"
What's your problem?? These are the "holy grail" of playing characteristics we all search for. How can you upgrade from that?
I used to play R13s exclusively, but now prefer to play an "original" set of LeBlanc Concerto's that Tom Ridenour personally set up for me. They have excellant intonation and even resistance between the registers--as oppossed to most Buffets. Their sound is a bit more "woody" than your typical R13 but everyone seems to like it. However, it took me a while--one to two years--of playing to feel completely comfortable with them. Perhaps you need to have your II tweaked--Brannanized, etc--and spend more quality time playing it before you start trying too many new mpcs and barrels. As for reed strength, that really is dicated by your mouthpiece opening rather than the clarinet--open, less strength, closed, more strength, etc. You do need to play with a steady embouchure and good breath support regardless your setup.
But again, if your Yami 72 has a good sound and excellant intonation, I wouldn't be so quick set it aside for any other clarinet. However, it's your choice. The Concertos (and Opus) clarinets are quality instruments, but you do have to find "the one(s)" that work for you. Clarinets are like snowflakes--no two being the same. Good playing.
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2007-06-22 16:32
I think you almost answered your own question...the Yam 72 is a fine clarinet..some of them absolutely superb in terms of tone and tuning. With a good overhaul and new pads the Yam 72 could be a real gem.
David Dow
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Author: Ken Mills
Date: 2007-06-23 22:49
Hello rgoldem; If you are used to a softer reed then you do not have to necessarily go to a more open mpc facing, really! Try a mpc with a deeper baffle. Learn that two mpcs with the same facing can use different strengths of reed if one has a bigger cavity inside the duckbill, ie, the chamber. OK, Ken
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Author: rgoldem
Date: 2007-06-24 19:42
This discussion is being really helpful. First, I am giving more appreciation for my old Yamaha clarinet.
Also, I tried Ken´s suggestion of trying a bigger chamber mouthpiece for a soft reed (in this case a B45 dot) and I got better results on my Leblanc. Can Ken or anyone else give me a suggestion for a large chamber mouthpiece other than Vandoren? Would it make sense something like a large chamber mouthpiece with a small tip opening? What would be the compromise regarding tuning?
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2007-06-26 18:09
So, Dave, if you're still reading this posting, would you compare the intonation of the Cadenza to that of a standard Buffet R-13?
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2007-06-26 19:06
The Cadenza plays quite well in tune..at least the models I have tried..they are also set up impeccably..as to the recent r13 clarinets I have tested I have found them to be quite inconsistent. Escecially in the throat register area...
David Dow
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