 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: wet44
Date: 2012-07-10 00:31
I am an intermediate to advance level clarinetist and I would like to know a good setup for my clarinet. It is a Yamaha 450N with MoBa Backun barrel, and a Backun bell that I don't know the model. I have a M13 Vandoren mouthpiece, a Rovner Dark ligature, and I switch out my reeds so much because when I start one, it usually squeaks a ton, doesn't play loudly (won't go above mf...) or just won't play at all. If there is a good setup with what I have, because I don't know if it is the reed or the ligature or whatever that is the problem, please let me know.
I would rather NOT buy a new clarinet, but if I need to (and I doubt I will) then I will.
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Author: SamuelChan
Date: 2012-07-10 00:54
Try other reed sizes, and see what happens. Or maybe you should bring it to a repair tech to have your clar. checked.
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Author: michael13162
Date: 2012-07-10 07:09
Try a Legere Signature reed. If you're still squeaking, then it shouldn't be the reed's fault.
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Author: sonicbang
Date: 2012-07-10 15:21
I assume your barrel is compatible with your clarinet and the horn doesn't leak anywhere. The problem is maybe the reed strength. M13 is a closed mouthpiece with long lay so you will need at least 3.5 reeds from most brands to have enough resistance. If you don't want to use harder reeds try a more open mouthpiece with the same setup.
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Author: vljenewein
Date: 2012-07-10 15:35
I also tried Ridenours ATG finishing system and made all the difference in the world to me in the squeaking department. Balances the reeds so that you get 10 excellent reeds out of even the lesser cost reeds being sold.
Vernon
Jenewein Duduks Manufacturing & Research
www.duduk.us American made Duduks
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2012-07-10 17:19
Play using a mirror or standing in front of a mirror somewhere in your house and when you squeak check the position of your fingers. You may not be comfortable with the horn setup so check the position of your fingers and if tone holes aren't covered well that may be the problem. Play some scales slowly and if you squeak note what area is the problem.
If this is at a constant location most likely it's a leaky pad or pads. If you are pretty sure it's your mouthpiece I can take a look at it and perhaps the tip opening is off or the rails are uneven.
Checking out a mouthpiece for the board members here is free.
The M-13 is a good mouthpiece, but it could be too close of a facing and a tip opening for you, therefore it needs some adjustments. The tip opening is fairly closed and the rails are also very close and wide and in my experiences a reed with thin side rails will cause a squeak sometimes.
What reeds are you playing on? I like the Vandoren 12's and the Vandoren 56 reeds. I play around a 4 1/2 strength because the reeds get a bit softer after about 2 to 4 hours of playing. I play a somewhat heavy reed and if you don't play a heavy reed try the 3's or 3 1/2 reeds. With this MP people generally need a slightly stronger reed that won't collapse because the side rails are too thin.
I won't ever play the Grand Concert reeds for personal reasons, which you can do a search on. I was the designer of the Grand Concert line of reeds.
I had some issues with the regular Vandoren reeds, but when I went with the thicker blanks the sound and the feel of the reeds were totally different. I was very happy!
Hope I have't confused you too much. Email me if needed.
The tip opening is very close, in my opinion too close of a setup. However these MP's are very good and a lot of pros use them. As we all know finding that great mouthpiece that fits you will make clarinet playing much more fun.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2012-07-10 17:29)
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Author: wet44
Date: 2012-07-10 18:23
Yeah, thanks everyone, I found an old Selmer mouthpiece HS** in my house and I'm trying it now with some Vandoren 12 reeds, it plays pretty well but I don't like the tone quality, anyone heard of the HS**? (I know there is an HS* mouthpiece this IS HS** 2 stars.) I read that it has a 1.2 mm opening instead of my 1.02 on my M13 Lyre.
Sorry, I didn't realize it was an M13 Lyre.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-07-10 19:41
The HS* is closer than average. For me, it's very stuffy. The HS** is more open than average. Since I prefer a slightly open mouthpiece, it plays well for me. I haven't played either for many years, because there are other makers whose mouthpieces I prefer..
Older Selmers take well to refacing and adjustment of the baffle. It would be worth taking the HS** to a maker and asking whether there's room for work.
Ken Shaw
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