 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: nisharae18
Date: 2016-04-14 00:05
In the market for a new mouthpiece, and I live literally in the middle of no where so my options to go and "try out" mouthpieces doesn't really exist. I used to play on a B45 and sounded decent. My current set up is an E11 with a 5RV Lyre (which I pretty much despise). Looking at either the B45, B45 lyre, or B45 dot, or even the BD5 is intriguing to me but worried that the opening will be smaller than I want on that one. So just reviews from those of you that have played them? Looking for a dark, pure sound, and I tend to like to use Vandoren 3-3.5 reeds, usually Rue Lepics but willing to switch it up for a good setup. Thanks for the help!
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Author: kdk
Date: 2016-04-14 00:22
Doesn't Woodwind and Brasswind offer free returns if you buy one item of several that you order? I think Weiner Music may do the same thing. If you charge four mouthpieces to a credit card, try them, and return the three you like least, you'll only end up paying for the mouthpiece you keep. The last time I ordered mouthpieces from WW&BW (admittedly several years ago) there was no restocking or cleaning fee if you bought (kept) one of the mouthpieces you ordered. If they do, so probably does Muncy Winds.
Karl
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-04-14 01:36
Why limit yourself to mass-produced mouthpieces that are all basic compromises in quality? If you do "try-outs" from a big-box, like WWBW, give a Fobes a shot, for that dark sound you say you wish - try a CF or my favorite - the CWF.
Walt Grabner also allows trials. Give him a call, and chat! He's a pretty wonderful guy, and won't BS you. I love his "K" series mouthpieces, but he may steer you to something even more exciting!
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2016-04-14 01:55
Surprised you dislike the 5RVLyre. It does take a harder reed than the B45. I presume you broke your B45 so you can't go back to it. I think you'll have to try out some mouthpieces. You might add a B40 to the list.
Steve Ocone
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Author: Shostakovich
Date: 2016-04-16 10:51
Since you mention you're looking for a darker sound, I'd look at the B45-dot. I found the normal B45 to be very bright, and potentially slightly raucous. The B45-dot is capable of a really nice and quite dark sound. It takes a slightly softer reed though.
Haven't tried the lyre.
As someone else mentioned, try a few models if possible.
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Author: tucker ★2017
Date: 2016-08-18 17:06
Just a followup to this thread....
Since I got my new horn, I was searching for the mouthpiece that fit me and the horn better than what I was using.
Woodwind & Brasswind no longer has the mouthpiece "testing program" that has been mentioned several times on this site. They will allow you to purchase them individually and return if you don't like them, but they no longer take a credit card guarantee and ship you several... returning the ones you don't want. Also... BEWARE if you purchase a mouthpiece from Woodwind/Brasswind through Amazon, you cannot return it. My return was denied by Woodwind/Brasswind. I had to make several calls to get a return authorization. They said to purchase directly through them if there is a chance of return. (I thought Amazon would be easier since I have Amazon Prime and have a list of all purchases). I purchased a couple of mouthpieces which are sold by Amazon which were easily returned. Same thing with Legere reeds. Amazon will take back just about anything if the order is fulfilled by them.
Also, Clark Fobes no longer has a "test" program either. He suggested a particular mouthpiece to me and said I would have to buy it from a retailer if I wanted to "test it out".
Not sure about other retailers or custom makers. Just relaying my experience.
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Author: CEC
Date: 2016-08-18 17:41
Clark does allow 3 week trials on his 10k line of mouthpieces and barrels/extensions (but apparently not his other mouthpiece models, though some of his product pages indicate that all of his mouthpieces can be trialed).
I had an exchange with him a few weeks ago and he mentioned this directly. Maybe he's changed policy very recently but hasn't updated his site.
http://www.clarkwfobes.com/pages/mouthpiece-barrel-trial-policy
Post Edited (2016-08-18 17:45)
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Author: tucker ★2017
Date: 2016-08-18 17:53
Correct. There is only a return policy for the 10K line. He had suggested the San Francisco to me.
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Author: Jeroen
Date: 2016-08-19 11:32
Back to topic: Never played the B45 dot.
The B45 has the traditional Vandoren sound: rich and colourful. Can get bright though.
The B45 Lyre has a nice, full bodied, centered sound. Despite the greater tip it plays easier and is better to control for me. It is one of my favourites.
The BD5 is very different. The sound is 'strange' to me and it can play quite resistant unlike the B45.
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Author: Richie
Date: 2016-08-19 19:44
I have not tried the b45, b45 lyre, or the b45 dot. However I do play the BD5 mouthpiece. The articulation is awesome, and the sound is very dark (dark sound works for most situations but not all). It projects really well, the sound is covered, but it's not too bad if that's not your thing.
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Author: Shostakovich
Date: 2016-08-22 08:41
I much prefer the B45 dot to the regular B45. In fact, it's the best mouthpiece I've ever tried. I haven't played with the other models you've listed.
Post Edited (2016-08-23 14:04)
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Author: clarii2
Date: 2016-08-22 15:39
like shostakovich i like the 45dot really well. a medium lay and just makes a great sound and feels good. there seems to be a move to conservative small sound these days. as my teacher once said " hell paul just blow the damn thing! who are you at the u of waikato.
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Author: Shostakovich
Date: 2016-08-23 14:12
Attachment: 14081479_1078291972207771_72093660_n.jpg (53k)
Hi Paul,
It's just Francis here!
Thanks again for getting me onto the 45dot, since we're on the subject.
You'll be interested to see what I made this afternoon (check the attached image). After you suggested that I invest in a longer barrel, I started thinking it wouldn't be too hard to make one myself.
The shape's not quite right on this one, but it sounds quite good - not too bad for a first attempt, I think.
Cheers
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Author: TomS
Date: 2016-08-27 20:26
If you had to cease production on all MP and reeds except for one, and expect everyone to be able to play reasonably well, I'd say the Vandoren 5RV lyre/profile 88/non 13 series and a #3 classic cut Legere would work pretty well. Good all around setup with little fuss. It's a like a Ford F-150 truck ... will get you where you are going and you can tow your fishing boat.
Now, if you want that high performance sports car, you gotta experiment, because it's a very personal thing.
Tom
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