 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: C.Elizabeth07
Date: 2011-10-23 04:10
So I'm in a bind and needed an Eb A.S.A.P. I am also broke.
I purchased a used Selmer 1405 Eb clarinet online. I have never played on a Selmer or a plastic clarinet (and this eefer is plastic). I play on a set of Buffets, so I'm nervous about this purchase I made. I don't like buying instruments I haven't seen in the flesh and I don't like plastic horns, I don't even particularly like Selmer (but beggars can't be choosy).
I was wondering about opinions and thoughts on this model and if anyone had any tips on how to perhaps refine the sound, should it have that thin "artificial" plastic sound. I paid $400 for it, so I'm hoping this was the right decision. Thoughts?
And if anyone has some suggestions for solo rep on Eb, suitable for an audition please let me know!
Post Edited (2011-10-23 18:15)
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2011-10-23 10:51
The Bundy is a good instrument, all in all. Don't worry about a plasticky sound or such things, it's mostly a myth attributed to non-wood instruments. However, you may want to get a good mouthpiece for it, it will make things a lot easier.
And take your time getting your Eefer embouchure up to snuff, it's not just like getting used to the physically smaller instrument, those high notes require considerable abilities if you don't want them to sound shrieky or grossly out of tune.
--
Ben
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Author: C.Elizabeth07
Date: 2011-10-23 15:38
Thanks, I generally play with a full Vandoren set up, MP. Lig. Reeds. Do you have any recommendations as far as reeds/reed strength. I play on a 4, 4.5 for Bb/A. Should I stick with this strength for Eb, or go weaker/stronger? (Just wanna make sure before I blow a bunch of money on a box)
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2011-10-23 15:45
Dunno, I'm using about the same strenght as on my Bb.
I'd opt for something in the 3.5 ballpark.
Then again, I could swear that, after having played some time, I hear the sound of a rifle being charged, but probably that's just in my imagination.
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Ben
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2011-10-23 17:51
The older Bundys were not bad horns and played relatively in tune. I started on one of these horns and used a VanDoren mouthpiece on that instrument. Try the FOF Gonzalez reeds and cut them down for the EEfer mouthpiece. The high E was a bad note on my instrument but the overblown G# worked fairly well.
Eefer guy
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Author: C.Elizabeth07
Date: 2011-10-23 18:16
Thanks a ton Eefer Guy, you wouldn't happen to have any suggestions as far as lit I could use for an audition. They are asking for solo rep, but as far as I know Eb rep is scarce.
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2011-10-23 19:38
There was a recent thread on Eb literature, if my memory isn't playing tricks on me. Use the "search" function ( in the small print on the top of every message thread) and it may come up for you.
Susan
Post Edited (2011-10-23 20:58)
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2011-10-23 20:00
As far as repertoire, I'm prepping Bolcom's "Suite of 5 Little Dances".... it's fun, a challenge, and very different from the standard clarinet solo stuff. There are a couple people playing it on YouTube videos if you'd like to take a listen....
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Author: gsurosey
Date: 2011-10-24 03:52
I have a Bundy and I like it very much. I use Vandoren blue box #3 reeds (as opposed to V12 #4 on Bb), but my Eb mouthpiece is a Vandoren B40, so I use lighter reeds on Eb due to having a more open mouthpiece than on Bb. I could probably go stronger on reeds, but I would like to get a closer mouthpiece first. I also need to get a longer barrel (I have a 40mm and need about a 42mm). Just recently put some synthetic pads on the smaller ("upper") keys and it plays quite well, especially for it's age (3,xxx).
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Rachel
Clarinet Stash:
Bb/A: Buffet R13
Eb: Bundy
Bass: Royal Global Max
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Author: Jeroen
Date: 2011-10-24 10:43
I have also good experience with the Selmer Bundy Eb.
Find a good mpc. For me Vandoren B40 and Viotto worked very well.
The sound is not 'thin or artificial' as you suggest.
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Author: William
Date: 2011-10-24 14:11
Try using Bb reeds on your Eb mouthpiece. Cut the butt short enough to fit the shorter lay and enjoy the fuller sound. On my Yamaha 601 Eb, I play an old Selmer HS** stock mouthpiece with Bb Forestone 4.0 reeds. The same set-up also works well on my 1960's vintage Bundy Eb clarinet.
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2011-10-26 05:14
I've used a couple different pieces for auditions.
The Molter Concertos for D clarinet are good, although they are mostly on the high range of the instrument. I've used #2-4. #4 is my favorite. They show the trumpet like character of the Eefer very well. These pieces tend to have at least one weak movement when played alone so be sure to warn the audition committee.
My favorite piece is the Panizza "Ballabile Con Variazoni". A beautiful piece and it shows off the EEfer beautifully. It wil impress the audition committee if it's done well.
The Bolcom is a neat piece but maybe too long for an audition. The first movement is a bit tricky under the fingers but the others fall under the fingers pretty easily. They dances cover the various "faces" of the Eefer. The Autumn Leaves type movement shocases the lower notes, which have an interesting quality. Very few composers use them. They hae a delicacy that the other clarinets lack.
Hope that's a help. I did give a list on an older post with some others that might be worthwhile too.
Eefer guy
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