 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Josh Schultze
Date: 2002-11-13 14:14
Hi,
I've been trying out different mouthpieces lately and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to mouthpiece brands. I had been extremely satisfied with my Morgan RM6 until I tried a Jewel Classic. The Jewel was very slightly more freer blowing, especially in the upper register. I'm not willing to switch just yet, but now I'm curious about exploring different mouthpieces.
I had always been of the school that it's not the mouthpiece, it's the player. Now I realize that it's a combination of both. What I don't want in a mouthpiece is that airy sound; I detest that. I want as much full sweet sound as possible.
So any suggestions about mouthpieces?
Thanks,
Josh
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Author: d dow
Date: 2002-11-13 14:26
B40 or B4013 american series gives a big full sound with remarkable clearness and focus...none of that airy stuff whatsoever. The only drawback is they require quite a strong embouchure, and you should test a few out before buying....as always...
D Dow
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Author: William
Date: 2002-11-13 14:30
If you do a search of this website, you will find there is no easy answer, lots of answers, and--in the end--no REAL answer. It is so much a question of individual tonal concept and playing needs, that no one mouthpiece size fits everyone's needs. You just have to embark--like all of us--on a "great mouthpiece search" and hope that your journey finds the "safe harbour" of your every playing need.
For me, I like mouthpieces that let me play the entire range of the clarinet easily and let me articulate notes crisply with a wide range of dynamics and tonal focus. Not too much to expect, huh??? I use a Kaspar (Chicago) #14, a Charles Bay (Ithica) custom, and a Greg Smith Kaspar (Cicero) model depending upon my "mood" at the time. Reeds--V12s and an Optimum lig (sometimes a Winslow).
Good luck on your "mpc voyage".
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2002-11-13 15:36
The VD M13 Lyre with a Harrison lig works for me. The Profile 88 helps a lot with articulation, and the tip is just the right combination of free blowing yet not so much it sounds airy. I can get a nice full sound with V12 4's.
The 88's main drawback (for me) is I really have to fight from holding the clarinet up like a jazz player, thanks to the shallow beak angle. Instead of holding it low near my body, I want to compensate by picking it up to simulate a regular MP.
Never tried the Optimum lig, but I seem to have better results with an inverted lig.
It's whatever works for you, though.
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Author: Laurie
Date: 2002-11-14 05:04
I've had good results with my Charlie Bay and Dan Johnston mouthpiece - with my Optimun lig -
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Author: d dow
Date: 2002-11-14 12:40
Interesting, I wonder how many players use more than one facing. I find in orchestra I tend to prefer using two different ones depending on music...this I hardly reccommend to beginners or even most pros....I use Kanter A facings and vandoren B40s....
.....if you are embarking on a mouthpiece search- make sure you find something you feel sounds good, and one on which it is easy to produce a good full sound...spending more does not always mean you sound better!!!!
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Author: James
Date: 2002-11-18 07:43
Here is what i have found to work. m15 (vandoren), Hawkins. I haven't tried any greg smiths but I have heard that they are quite good. Personally I use a hawkins, it works for me, I like it. I have heard a lot of fuss about these new vandoren M30's... I want to try one..
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