The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: aerostyc
Date: 2011-04-20 20:18
I mean, I just recognized that my mouthpiece has a really slow "reaction" time.
I currently have two clarinets, and my old cheap clarinet responds normally I guess to when I cross the bridge.
However, when I cross the bridge on my Student Bundy Model, I noticed that I'll either land a small screech and sneak in to the note itself.
Anyways my birthday is coming up, it would be nice to buy myself a great mouthpiece to fit my needs. Which mouthpiece do you recommend for a better tone/intonation sound? and a fast response as well.
Don't suggest anything that is like superbly over 100 bucks lol.
(Suggest the reed strength along with the corresponding mouthpiece, it will help out as well ;D)
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2011-04-20 20:39
You mean the "break" not the bridge, yes? And why do you think your mouthpiece is the problem? Could it be the clarinet, the reed, you?
But besides that, what mouthpiece do you use now?
And, finally, try using the search function on this bulletin board. Plug in "mouthpiece" or "mouthpiece suggestions" or look at the current thread on Hawkins vs. Bay mouthpieces. There is no end to the discussion on this topic.
But...there are some basics: how strong is your embouchure, what reeds (strength and brand) do you use, what kind of music do you play, what sound (tone) are you after? Is your current mouthpiece open or close?
Vandoren, for example, makes many mouthpieces to fit many needs. They run $70 to $80 new. They are good. Take a look at the Vandoren Web site--vandoren.com--and see for yourself. Can your teacher recommend one?
Maybe you'd be happy with a Hite Premiere at $19 or a Fobes Debut at $30. Both are excellent and not just for beginners, either.
Good luck.
Post Edited (2011-04-21 20:04)
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-04-20 21:05
I agree that the problem you're having is probably not caused by the mouthpiece but it's always good to have a good one. First, have your clarinet checked by a repair tech so you get it fixed if that's the problem. Then try several different Vandoren MPs as you can get to try because they make very good ones for the money. Many professionals use them. Most of the big mail order stores will send you 3-4 different ones for a trail period for a nominal fee. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: chris moffatt
Date: 2011-04-20 22:09
I recommend you check the pads at the lowerend of your clarinet (E & F# esp.). sounds like you may have a small leak. Alternatively you're maybe not pushing hard enough to get a good seal on those keys as you go over the break. Otherwise, what everybody else said.
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2011-04-22 06:55
You are playing the SAME mouthpiece on both clarinets, right?
If so, the new clarinet /might/ have something out-of-adjustment.
If not... try the old mouthpiece on the new clarinet and report back.
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Author: ddavani
Date: 2011-04-23 04:50
From what you're describing, it seems like you need a mouthpiece that not only has a closer tip opening, but you may need a more solid reed as well (try to increase your current size by .5). When you look into mouthpieces, I agree with Vandoren, you should look for facings around .99-1.03mm, ask the dealer about that when you go shopping and be sure to try them out.
-Dave Davani
http://allclarinet.blogspot.com/
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-04-24 01:36
Depending on what clarinets you have, it may well be that the same mouthpiece is not the ideal choice for both instruments. What works well on one may not work as well on the other. That being said, a leaky pad on the lower end of your Bundy sounds a likely cause. Could also be the crows foot adjustments.
Tony F.
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Author: HannahLynnLove
Date: 2011-04-24 02:38
Honestly, I think you need to test out the mouthpieces yourself and have someone "rate" the mouthpieces for you.
That's what I did while getting a new clarinet. The guy had pretty much 10 mouthpieces, some of them exactly the same kind (like the same brand and same model) but they sounded different. I don't know why it was, but me and the seller (who, my luck, happened to be a college band director) had to compare them and narrow it down.
It can take a while, I remember we were there for probably 45 minutes - an hour?
Just gotta test them out
PS. Non-student model mouthpieces are a little harder to get a sound out of. So it wont sound perfect at first
Hope I helped!
Hannah
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