 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: namusori
Date: 2011-10-20 22:44
Hi, I'm a high school junior playing clarinet, and I need a new mouthpiece for orchestra playing(mainly because my current mouthpiece has deteriorated during marching band...). I'd like to buy a new mouthpiece and I want some advice before buying it. I usually use 4.5 gonzalez reeds and play on a Buffet R13 that is probably several decades older than me(I think it's from 70s or before). What kind of mouthpiece should I buy?(material, brand, opening, etc.)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2011-10-20 23:13
Gosh, you don't mention any specifics about the one you have. The Gennusa Excellent is a wonderful mouthpiece on many levels particularly how well it plays in its price category. They are available in 3 facings (I think). Ben Redwine is a terrific guy to deal with.
.....................Paul Aviles
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-10-21 00:06
namusori wrote:
>I usually use 4.5 gonzalez reeds
Make sure you get a mouthpiece with a close facing if you plan on continuing to use those popsicle sticks for reeds.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-10-21 00:32
AND NEVER USE A GOOD MOUTHPIECE FOR MARCHING! Or a good clarinet, for that matter!
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: namusori
Date: 2011-10-21 00:41
Well, I have a separate marching, plastic clarinet, but I had only one mouthpiece to use...
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Author: William
Date: 2011-10-21 14:53
Do a search for Clark Fobes, Walter Grabner or Gregory Smith mouthpieces. They all make good ones that they will send out for you to try or return, and will work with you until you are satisfied. They are all sponsers of this website and their contact info can be found in the "equipment" section of this BB.
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2011-10-21 17:45
4.5 Gonzalez (or any other brand) is pretty hard. I would recommend (since you're still in high school and wanting to experiment) trying a handful of vandorens.
M13
M13 Lyre
M15
If you want to spend more, you can contact a custom maker. Most makers start at around 195. I would recommend Bradford Behn. He is very skilled as a crafstman and is always willing to discuss your desires in a mouthpiece and setup.
Best of luck!
P.S.
While everyone's opinion and style varies and what's right for one is not for another, I would still say 4.5's are too hard. The odds of getting a good sound with 4.5's without excessive jaw pressure are low. If you're expirementing with different mouthpieces, make sure to try them with some new reeds and get a few different strengths.
Most mouthpieces being sold today are setup to play with 3, 3.5, or 4 strength reeds. I've tried or played most everything out there and haven't encountered something that played well with such hard reeds or was recommended to play with such hard reeds.
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Author: oldvter
Date: 2011-10-21 17:53
I agree with Paul's comment. Try some of Ben Redwine's mouthpieces.
I use a Gennusa Retro and it is very reed friendly and I am able to produce a huge sound with it. And like Paul said, Ben is extremely nice and easy to do business with.
Christine
Orlando, FL
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