 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kdk
Date: 2010-04-13 16:12
Does anyone - especially any of our mouthpiece experts - know if the various Vandoren models and facings within a specific series (i.e. Traditional vs. 13) are actually made from different blanks? Or are all the Series 13 mouthpieces made from the same blank with only different facings applied to each model (and the same for the Traditional series models)? Without wanting to open up yet another discussion about who likes which model better, I'm curious whether the differences in sound and response tendencies are only the result of different curves and tip openings, or are there differences in the interior design between, for example, an M13L Series 13 and an M15 Series 13 or a B45 Traditional and a 5RV Traditional?
Karl
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2010-04-13 17:18
I'm pretty sure they are all made from the same blank, although others can probably verify this.
The largest differences in the interior of the mouthpiece would be between the 13 series and non 13 series mouthpieces. This has been discussed here rather thoroughly.
I'd guess that there are slight differences in interiors between mouthpieces of different facings, but I'd say they are slight.
Vandoren mouthpieces have been produced with varied side rail and tip rail thicknesses as well. This has been noted on mouthpieces of the same facing designation that they have changed these aspects over time (for better or for worse...).
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2010-04-13 20:56
B45 'dot' has a bigger chamber than plain B45.
Profile 88 obviously have different externals.
But do they all go through a 'Vandoren blank' stage? I have no idea. Trade secret, presumably. I think the 2-tone ones start(ed) life originally as rod; I'd guess they all do.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2010-04-13 22:14
I'm interested primarily in whether or not there is an explanation other than the facing for general tone and response differences between one model of a specific series and another. Clearly, the internals must be different between Traditional and Series 13 models, and of course the Profile 88 mouthpieces have a different external shape. We tend so much to concentrate on tips and curves in comparing mouthpieces. Other parameters are important, and I've often wondered if Vandoren has gone to any effort to differentiate all these models by making changes to the baffle or chamber, changes that it might find more difficult to describe and market than facing measurements.
My best approach to answering a question like this would be to do the investigating myself, but I'm not sure enough how to measure baffle and chamber dimensions accurately. I'm hoping some mouthpiece maker/finisher who has the tools has also been curious about these mouthpieces and has already done some looking.
Karl
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Author: RoBass
Date: 2010-04-14 07:10
You can check the volume an easy way (adhesive strip above the window, measure the empty weight with strip on, fill with water, weigh it again - difference is volume in metric grams).
I assume, you'll be surprised, how many versions they do...
kindly
Roman
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Author: kdk
Date: 2010-04-14 10:30
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try it.
Karl
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Author: RoBass
Date: 2010-04-14 13:06
Oh, I forgot an important remark ;-) You have to install a stand on the scale before! The MPC should stand straight upright on the tip with tenon topside. I use some modeling clay for holding the MPCs. But you could use a bored piece of wood too (MPC to stick into vertically).
kindly
Roman
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