 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2005-11-15 12:52
I recently had my arm twisted into trying a Vandoren B45 'dot' mouthpiece. I put up some resistance, because I don't get on with the B45 (or the B40). Lo and behold, it was lovely and I bought it on the spot. It was much easier to play that the other two, and I could get away with the same reeds as I would on my existing 5RV (contrary to the suggestions from the Vandoren catalogue).
Questions:
1. Has anyone else noticed the difference between B45 and B45 dot?
2. What is it about the advertised 'larger chamber' that could cause the difference? (and just what is a 'larger chamber', exactly?)
3. Is it just me, or is Vandoren product literature entirely unhelpful in this matter?
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-11-15 13:58
Vandoren literature won't tell you what experience will tell you. Sometimes you just have to try them for yourself.
As I understand the "larger chamber" it is a slightly rounder shaped inner chamber--thus the "dot." I've play-tested several (as I used to sell Vandoren mouthpieces). I recommend them to a lot of players over the 5RV because they really sound quite nice.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2005-11-15 14:34
Brenda,
I'm having good luck with a Vandoren M30 v13. what are your comments on this piece?
thanks
bob
Bob Phillips
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-11-15 14:38
Bob, I really like it a lot. It is very close to some of the custom-made mouthpieces I have. I tried one with my Buffet R-13 and it was a very good match. I recommend it for those who would love to own a hand-made but don't want to spend the money. I think it's one of the best Vandoren has come out with in a long time.
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Author: Aures22
Date: 2005-11-16 01:06
Yes, I have had a similar experience with the B45 dot mouthpiece. Much more reed-friendly than either the B45 or the B40 and a open and round sound with a good response and a unique sound color among the vandoren line. I would say that it is probably the best Vandoren mouthpiece that I've played.
Post Edited (2005-11-16 01:10)
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2005-11-16 15:00
I'm gonna add a "me too" to the dot discussion. Love it love it love it.
I haven't been using mine lately due to a new renaissance of love for my 20+ year old Borbeck...
Katrina
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2005-11-16 15:07
Thanks, Brenda.
I had an interesting occurance with my teacher, who's the principle clarinetist for the Spokane Symphony. He was auditioning 2 expensive mouthpieces (can't remember the brand, but they were priced in the $3-600 range).
When I asked how he liked them, he proceeded to demonstrate them one after the other. The last one had a richer, more complex sound and better responsiveness than the other two.
It was his Vandoren M30. Now, maybe the balance was tipped because the M30 has been his long time friend; but I sure liked its sound better and am confident that he'll get around better on his Buffet with his current set-up.
Meantime, I've been using my M30 for a little over 3-weeks; and it hurts my ears to go back to my Mitchell-Lurie M3 set-up.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-11-16 16:03
Well, the M30 is (IMHO) a far better mouthpiece than the Mitchell-Lurie M3. Interesting observation about your teacher.
I liked the M30, but went back to using my Greg Smith Kapar Wood mouthpiece because of its creamy, rich tone. Also, I'm used to the Greg Smith model because I've used it for 3 years. Could be a similar thing.
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Author: KellyA
Date: 2005-11-16 19:42
I recently tried many mouthpieces (over 30) from various manufacturers. I found that there was no vandoren that I could easily control in all the registers. Some ones that stick out in my mind are: The B45 which was to resistant, the b45 dot was better but still not real great, the pyne had me squeeking in the midrange, I ended up buying an m30 and an m15, which to me play alike. Still not 100% satisfied I tried the Clark Fobes San Francisco CF+. What I like about the Fobes is no matter what strength reed I use, the sound is clear without having to clench my lips. I'm playing it with a gonzalez 3.5 reed and it is exactly what I've been looking for.
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