 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kaetlyns2007
Date: 2012-12-31 04:19
In your opinion, what is the best mouthpiece for a bass clarinet? I am currently using a vandoren model that cost about 30 dollars and I hate it and would like to invest in a professional level bass mouthpiece.
Kaety
Post Edited (2012-12-31 04:22)
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2012-12-31 13:03
If there were a 'best' mouthpiece we'd all be playing it.
Try: Clark Fobes, Walter Grabner, Roger Garrett, Pomarico, Robert Borbeck, Hite, Charles Bay (in no particular order).
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Author: William
Date: 2012-12-31 15:07
Ditto what David said. FWIW, I play a Walter Grabner custom bass mouthpiece which I picked out at his Ill residence. My "backup" and very close second is a Pomarico "Jazz" #2 crystal. In spite of the jazz designation, it has a very nice sound and plays well in the upper register on my Buffett Prestigue low C bass.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2012-12-31 18:40
I know at least 2 professionals who use Vandoren mouthpieces on their basses, B40 and B45 if I recall.
If you paid just $30 it may well be you have a well used/abused model.
I know VD don't always get a good press on this board (which is naturally very USA-centric) but they are still a chosen mouthpiece by some of the finest clarinetists around.
They just don't suit everyone, but then neither does any other brand.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2012-12-31 18:48
I certainly stand by Vandoren. For at least the last 10 years or so their mouthpieces have been the MOST consistent (same model, same facing etc) from one to another of pretty much ANY professional grade mouthpiece. There may be some custom manufacturers (or custom refinishers) that make a more polished product but you would be spending considerably more than the $80.00 US dollars on them (for a typical Bb mouthpiece that is).
..................Paul Aviles
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2012-12-31 19:30
Consistent is good, unless of course the basic design (i.e. facing) is bad, in which case consistent is consistently bad.
Not saying that Vandoren bass clarinet mouthpieces are bad; but in 35 years of playing bass clarinet I've never found one I personally liked.
Who are the two players you know who are playing Vandorens on bass, Norman? I'm just curious.
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2013-01-01 14:39
I sell quite a few Fobes to local teachers for their students. For the price they are great. In fact my wife switched to the Fobes Nova. There is also a Debut model.
Steve Ocone
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2013-01-01 14:50
I gave our local high school a Vandoren B45 I had in my junk box for their Bundy bass clarinet. They were going to junk it, but now with the B45 it plays very well.
Tony F.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2013-01-01 20:05
FWIW, I have my bass students use a Fobes Nova. I play on one as well.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2013-01-01 20:58
I always thought that my favourite piece this year was a Selmer C* ... until someone actually asked. Turned out to be a vintage Bundy Signature...
My other "good one" is a Fobes Nova.
--
Ben
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2013-01-02 00:01
For info of David I don't want to compromise customer confidentiality by discussing players personal details without permission but the instruments I have seen using VD mouthpieces have come from 2 of following orchestras.
Bournemouth Symphony, BBC Symphony, Scottish National, English National Opera and National Orchestra of Wales.
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Author: bethmhil
Date: 2013-01-02 01:25
The only bass mouthpiece I've ever used is a Selmer C*, and I love it very much.
BMH
Illinois State University, BME and BM Performance
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Author: Fishamble
Date: 2013-01-02 09:39
I use a Moba bass mouthpiece. And am very, very happy with it.
I bought it after trialling it side-by-side with a Fobes, Grabner and Selmer C* - for me and my bass, it was unmistakeably the best of the three. So I'd recommend trying one.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2013-01-02 23:34
There is no "best" mouthpiece for any instrument, only the best MP for you. There are many good ones out there, you just have to try as many as you can. I'm using a Selmer C* voiced by Dave McClune but before that I used a C** for 40 years that was just out of stock. My back up is a Forbes RR facing which plays very close to my Selmer. Although the Selmers are inconsistant, what isn't, I always told my students to try 3-4 Selmer C*s from the mail order stores and see if they liked one. If not we would do the search of others. It's a very personal thing finding the right mouthpiece. Try out as many as you can until you find the right one for you.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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