 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: 82zman
Date: 2018-11-05 07:35
I have a Vandoren BD5 on my YCL- CSVR. In general it plays flat for the first 10-15 minutes until it warms up. I understand temperature and tuning but this seems like it takes a bit too long, It a 13 version (American pitch). I am also going to try the standard version. I am mostly a sax player and I seem to get that warmed up in tune faster. Does this seem normal?
82zman
Post Edited (2018-11-05 13:45)
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2018-11-05 09:57
Often Vandoren mouthpieces play flat, because they are too long in length.
If you like the BD5 and you are a sax player maybe your chops aren't strong enough to handle this pretty open tip opening. So order the BD5 - 442 model. This is the same Vandoren BD5 mouthpiece but it tunes to 442 instead of the regular BD5 which tunes to 440. This should solve your problem. Good luck!
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2018-11-05 16:17
Here is how I feel about tuning.
You should be able to play in tune, with room to spare on either side, from the get go. As you warm up (which is just a consequence of the instrument reflecting the nearly 100 degree Fahrenheit air from your body), you adjust downward accordingly......that is, if you ensemble is not getting sharper as time goes by (not atypical of avocational bands).
I would recommend a shorter barrel that allows some leeway in either direction. Having the flexibility to move pitch either up or down at YOUR immediate determination is paramount.
.............Paul Aviles
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Author: 82zman
Date: 2018-11-05 16:40
Thanks for the replies. I’m going to try the BD5 442 pitch. I will have it tomorrow. From the “get go” on my current BD5 my E2 for instance is about 20 cents flat when I start. My issue is it’s too far out to make an adjustment without sacrificing tone. To me, on my saxophone when I say I can play it in tune it means that any imperfections in the instrument( and they are all imperfect) can be adjusted for without sacrificing tone quality. For instance if I have to lip up or adjust my throat so much that the tone sounds pinched off then I can’t play it in tune. This is my goal for the clarinet, to be able to adjust correctly on the fly. I’m trying to make this BD5 work because I love the tone. I have an older M30 Lyre and do not have this issue with it.
82zman
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2018-11-05 18:36
I agree with Paul, if you like the mouthpiece a slightly shorter barrel is the answer. Just try several since each of the same may sound or pitch slightly different in different registers. And try them with the clarinet at room temperarture not cold.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2018-11-05 19:00
The "13" Series mouthpieces are pretty stubborn and inflexible when it comes to playing up to pitch. I shortened my "13" Series M15 by around 2mm which did the trick for me, but have gone back to using my A1 crystals as standard.
If you want a Vandoren mouthpiece that plays on the sharp side, the 5RV Lyre will do that, but that's the standard and not the "13" Series one.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: 82zman
Date: 2018-11-07 07:43
So I tried a few BD5s that were the standard European pitch version and not the 13 series. While they were a tad higher in pitch I was surprised that the differences between the two were far more than tuning. Sorry for my lack of a better description but the 13 series had more depth to the tone. It’s what attractied me to it in the first place. I found this to be missing in the two standard versions of the BD5 I tried. Also the standard version was much more free blowing. I preferred the additional back pressure of the 13 series.
As for the tuning this has improved with my 13 series. Mostly because originally I was checking it with my thermostat on the cool side (low 60s.) When I trialed the Mouthpieces in the store I had no issues. Weather has recently changed here and while I am experienced handling that with my sax I am needing more work in this area with the clarinet. I also find my pitch more stable now that I am settling into a better embouchure. It is only recently that I have been putting a serious effort into the clarinet.
82zman
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Author: 82zman
Date: 2018-11-09 07:27
I called the Vandoren studio in Chicago to inquire about the differences i noted between the BD5 13 series versus the standard European one. To lower the pitch there are modifications done in the chamber. This confirms my findings from playing them side by side. I much prefer the 13 series. So if one wants to raise the pitch by simply moving to the standard BD5 they will find they are now playing a mouthpiece with a different chamber.
82zman
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