 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: davyd
Date: 2012-05-16 14:33
I'm up against Rhapsody In Blue this weekend (as I write this) and am informed that I should use an Open mouthpiece. Assuming that's true, this is what I have on hand. What would you suggest, or not suggest?
Vandoren 5RV Lyre (currently using this on Bb)
Vandoren B45 (used this until recently on Bb)
Vandoren 5RV (currently using this on A)
Selmer HS*
Portnoy BP1
Marcellus M13
Hite - no model number visible
with Vandoren 4 reeds, and a variety of ligature options.
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2012-05-16 14:35
Why should you use an open mouthpiece? I'd personally stick with what you know.
Peter Cigleris
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2012-05-16 14:52
I wouldn't recommend switching mouthpieces right before a performance. I would also argue that you don't need an open mouthpiece to play a jazz-inspired piece like Rhasody In Blue.
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Author: SamuelChan
Date: 2012-05-16 15:20
Use your current mouthpiece if it's most comfortable. Changing mouthpiece just before a performance isn't the best thing to do, as it may greatly affect the way you play and cause a huge inconvenience. Once I immediately switch from an M13 lyre to a B45. My God. Took a long time to get accustomed back to anything comfortable.
I say stick with the 5RV if you like it. No need others to inform you 'what's best for a piece of music' the best way to judge is by your ears alone.
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2012-05-16 16:11
Better to have open ears and an open mind rather than an open mouthpiece.
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2012-05-17 21:34
I don't agree with the mouthpiece opening. For me I like to play this with a softer reed. Perhaps a 1/2 to 1 strength lower. The theory behind a lighter reed offers more flexability. I normally play with a double lip, but you will have much more flexability using a single lip. Drop your jaw pressure a bit and practice sliding one finger at a time. Then practice moving the right hand fingers first then the left. Try doing this slowly.
I usually practice with a mirror near me. I'd suggest using one. If you don't have one try the bathroom mirror. Simply study your finger placements for the best result.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2012-05-18 01:51)
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Author: davyd
Date: 2012-05-18 20:27
Thanks all. You're right; it doesn't make sense to switch mouthpieces this close to a performance, even if I knew which one I wanted to use. I might try a different ligature (currently using Vandoren Optimum) but even that's doubtful at this late date.
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Author: SamuelChan
Date: 2012-05-18 23:55
The Optimum has 3 interchangeable plates. Remember to experiment with them first. I heard one of the plates gives flexibility.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2012-05-19 19:35
Not a good idea, use your regular mouthpiece as several recommended and perhaps using a softer reed will make it easier, it is for me but I'm always playing bass clarinet when we do it so I don't have to concern about it but that's what I do when I'm demonstrating it for someone. ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2012-05-22 15:32
Keep in mind Eddie Daniels plays a mouthpiece with a 0.95 tip opening, closer tip than anything you have. Open mouthpieces are certainly not necessary for jazz or jazz influenced music.
Instead of messing with mouthpieces because someone told you you have to play an open mouthpiece, just go practice and find a reed that allows you to play well. If the mouthpiece proves to be a problem, wait until after the performance to start messing with things.
Practice...Practice....mess with mouthpieces because someon....no wait- practice....
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Author: davyd
Date: 2012-05-24 04:48
I did indeed use my regular mouthpiece and ligature, and the reed (one of the usual suspects) chose to cooperate, so things went about as well as I could expect. I could have been more "smeary" in the opening scale, but was otherwise happy with the opening statement, and more so with the shorter solos that come later. No squeaks, either. At least now I can say I've performed the darn thing, even if only once.
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2012-05-25 00:56
I'm glad you got to play the piece and I'm happy you stayed with what worked the best for you.
Was there a recording available? If so can you post the solo's?
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