 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: travelingclarinetist
Date: 2010-12-31 04:47
I have just purchased an R13 and am looking for the best set up. I hear alot of talk about these mouthpieces but don't know the difference. I hear "open" "medium tip", etc. What does this mean? Also, what combination works with which barrels, etc. Thanks,
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Author: sonicbang
Date: 2010-12-31 09:54
You will get a lot of totally different idea/opinion/advice from a lot of clarinettist here. They would suggest what they belive to be the best (for them). The most popular advice after all is this: 'you should figure out what is the best for you, try as many mouthpieces and barrels as you can and buy the best you can afford'.
I just want to save time for you.
Happy new year
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2010-12-31 13:04
I presume that the R13 is not your first clarinet. What mouthpiece/reed combination were you using previously? Were you happy with it? If so, why change?
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Author: kdk
Date: 2010-12-31 14:07
What kind of playing do you do? Are you a student or an experienced player? What mouthpiece have you used previously? Barrels are another whole set of possibilities, but there isn't one combination that is "best" nor even a narrow range of such combinations. Ultimately it depends on your playing needs and your already established habits.
If you're an established player (of any level of accomplishment) my best advice would be to stay with whatever mouthpiece you've been using and the barrel that comes with he R-13 at first. As you play, decide what if anything in the results you're getting you want to change. Then start asking around or reading about mouthpieces and barrels that are meant to address the specific issues you've identified.
If you're a student, especially of high school age or younger, get a teacher's advice. Hearing you play in person makes it much easier to separate what changes can be made through technique and what might be easier to make with equipment.
If you're an interested amateur adult who is just getting back to the clarinet after an extended absence, stay with what you have at hand until you've gotten back to a comfortable level of control and security. Then listen to what you're producing and, again, decide what you want to change.
Karl
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Author: travelingclarinetist
Date: 2011-01-01 00:11
Thanks,
I am an adult student who has been "out of the loop" for many, many years. I hear great things about the Zinner blanks from Muncy-that they pretty much are Backun's prototype. What do the dimensions mean-ie. tip opening, depth, etc. From their website:
Chamber Specifications:
Chamber A has a standard sidewall with a deeper baffle.
Chamber E has a standard sidewall with a higher baffle.
Tip Opening Specifications:
-1mm can be from approximately .92 to .98 mm.
+1mm can be from 1.02 to 1.08 mm.
I have an R13, have been playing for about 25 years on and off. Mouthpieces have been Gennusa and Vandoren. Looking to achieve that big nice sound that gets noticed in orchestra.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2011-01-01 18:21
Zinner-based mouthpieces are pretty ubiquitous. The two blanks, A and E, have different tonal characteristics and the E, I believe, tends to be pitched a little sharper. Many of the American makers who use Zinner blanks use either the A blank or a custom blank of their own design based on the A.
Tip openings anywhere around - within + or - .03 or so of 1 mm are considered close tips.
There's nothing generically wrong with either the Gennusa or the Vandoren mouthpieces. My advice would be to get back to the best shape you can with whichever of those feels most comfortable. Once you're in control and getting the best result you feel you can get, then it may be time to consider something new on top of the clarinet. I personally wouldn't change mouthpieces and barrels at the same time (you'll never be sure which is doing what). Decide what you're trying to change, then perhaps contact one of the custom makers (I've had experience with Clark Fobes, Walter Grabner and Chris Hill - they're all very interested in helping and very knowledgeable).
Keep in mind, though, that a "big nice sound that gets noticed in orchestra" doesn't mean the same thing to everyone and that in any case, the equipment doesn't make your sound, it only makes it easier or more difficult to achieve what you're looking (listening) for.
Good luck,
Karl
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