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Vandoren Mouthpieces

Author: Jeff H
Date: 2001-01-18 00:26

I'm in the process of getting a new horn (R-13) so I began by getting a quality mpc/lig combo to get used to before taking new horns for test drives. After much head scratching I setteled on a Vandoren M13 (profile 88 series 13) and an Optimum lig. My question is, how do mpc characteristics (tip opening, face length) affect the resulting tone. I tried 5 different Vandoren mpc's (M13, B45, 5RV, V13 and B45 lyre, using vandoren #3 reed) when making my selection and they all sounded the same to me (only noticible difference was ease of blowing). Maybe my ear just isin't tuned into small variations in tone quality. I'm also planning on picking up another (different) Vandoren mpc just as a backup. Are there suggestions for models which will suppliment the M13? I'm currently in a college ensemble and plan to perform in local "semi-pro" ensembles post grad.

Thanks

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RE: Vandoren Mouthpieces

Author: Julia Meyer
Date: 2001-01-18 00:47

What school are you at, and is music your major....that may affect your
decisions.?
A more open mp will give you a fuller, more intense sound---what they
call of the german style. A closed mp will give you a generally softer,
not so intense core sound....this is referred to as the french sound.
It's hard for me to express this in words, but that's basically what it
is. Both are fine, its a matter of which you prefer, and based on that
you can figure out what kind of mp you want to get.
Best of luck!
Julia

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RE: Vandoren Mouthpieces

Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2001-01-18 01:37

Jeff, although Vandoran mouthpeices and just about all their products are good quality and are generally reliable etc, you shouldn't restrict yourself to this brand alone. I understand that when your "ear just isn't tuned into small variations in tone quality," that testing many types of mouthpieces can be a little overwhelming and frustrating, but usually when you find the perfect one, it's worth the effort. What I guess I'm trying to say is that I'm not overly fussed on vandoran mouthpieces, however i use the Optimum ligature and love it.

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RE: Vandoren Mouthpieces

Author: Anji
Date: 2001-01-18 14:13

Hey Jeff,

I'm with you, playing the horn makes it very difficult to hear what a change in mouthpiece produces in the sound.

I also chose the M13, same profile, because of the "middle of the road" tone it seems to produce.

I use it as a standard, with a Legere reed, to sort out what other mouthpieces do.
I tend to like things that are rather bright, which leads to thinness in performance.

I also prefer freer blowing setups, which may reduce dynamics. (But I don't want to work too hard.)

So, when you experiment;

Have a standard reed used for each trial.
Have a listener (not someones selling the item) evaluate for loud vs. soft and "bright" vs. "dark". The megabuck mouthpieces are good, but the M13 will probably be more flexible than you may think.

Oh yeah, never pay retail.
anji

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