 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jas77
Date: 2012-01-12 23:20
I have been playing the clarinet for 7 years and would consider myself as a higher than average clarinet player but not very advanced either. I recently had a little bit of trouble with reeds because I switched to Vandorens 3 from Mitchell Luries 3.5 a year ago and started using Vandoren B45 Mouthpiece.
Vandorens seem a little tough and not open enough (a little fuzzy) but Mitchell Luries have always been too open for me. I like the clearness and woodiness of Vandorens and supposedly the inconsistency of the reeds are on purpose.
My question is should I go down to a Vandoren 2.5 or switch to Mitchell Lurie 4? What reed (size, brand) fits better for the B45?(I can't really get a new mouthpiece since the local store only stocks 3 types)
I also have tried V-12 #3 but took awhile to break in and maybe a little bit hard but they sounded really nice.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2012-01-13 02:25
jas77 wrote:
> My question is should I go down to a Vandoren 2.5 or switch to
> Mitchell Lurie 4? What reed (size, brand) fits better for the
> B45?(I can't really get a new mouthpiece since the local store
> only stocks 3 types)
>
The answer, which probably won't satisfy you, is that you need to try both and see which gives you the better result. Even if someone tells you to try one or the other, you won't really know that the other wouldn't have turned out to be better. If you buy a box of each, you'll probably be able to use some of the reeds in each box, and then you'll know which ones make you more comfortable.
By the way, though I'm not pushing you to change mouthpieces, you don't need to be limited to what the local store has in stock. There are several online outlets that sell nearly any mouthpiece or reed you want to try. You can't buy reeds "on approval" but most places have a trial policy in place for mouthpieces (and instruments) and a return policy for general items you decide aren't what you need. Try the local store first, but it doesn't need to be your only source of equipment.
Karl
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2012-01-13 07:51
Perhaps check out other mouthpieces. The B 45 is a good MP, but I'd take a look around at other MP's. There shouldn't be that big of a strength difference between the ML reeds and the Vandorens. Probably just a 1/2 stop. Theres' so many MP's on the market now ranging from about $80 for a decent one to a hand adjusted $900, such as a Kasper.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2012-01-13 21:53
Try smoothing down the Vandoren 3's with a small piece of silicon carbide paper, about #400. Do this several days in a row on a new box, alternately wetting and drying them. Then check them by playing them for strength, sanding more if needed and you may find that the Vandorens are fine. Also try the V12s again. Good luck!
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Author: clairmusic
Date: 2012-01-13 23:02
have you ever tried Rico Classic Reserve reeds? I played on vandorans for over 20 yrs. I switched to the RCR's about a yr ago. They were desgined by MARK Nicco, NYP. His father told me about them and told me to give them a shot. These reeds are all that I play on now. They come in plus sizes. They have wonderful color and play wth easy response. definatly are worth trying out. good luck!
I play on a Bradford Behn MPC and use RCR 4-4+ and a Peter Spriggs lig.
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