 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jackiepugh
Date: 2023-05-11 23:15
Which would you choose?
The tip of my Vandoren A1 mouthpiece shattered today (absolutely gutted). I've already given my backup mouthpiece (B44) to my son.
I'm not sure whether to buy another B44 (I've seen an unused one on ebay) or to go for the Pomerico crystal ruby mouthpiece which seems to be the closest to my A1. Back in the day you could go to a shop and try lots of mouthpieces but that's not an option, so I have to pick one without trying hence focusing on one's I've had before.
Other than cost what should I consider? I have an R13 Prestige clarinet and mostly play wind band music these days. I've never really played a B44 on this clarinet only the A1.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2023-05-12 00:26
There are two Ruby models: Bright and Mellow. Which one are you considering?
I have a Bright and find that it works best with a clarinet that has significant built-in resistance, such as the Ridenour RCP-576BC.
I don't find that this is a "bright" sounding mouthpiece. It certainly isn't any brighter than the Selmer HS-Star I played for years. It is focused and projects well, as you'd expect from a crystal mouthpiece.
Pitches tend to "lock in" on the Ruby Bright and there's not much flexibility to bend or "humour" an out-of-tune note back to where it needs to be.
Post Edited (2023-05-12 00:38)
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Author: super20dan
Date: 2023-05-12 02:15
i gave up xystal mpcs after having my precious obrien broken after 20 years.
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Author: m1964
Date: 2023-05-12 10:15
jackiepugh wrote:
"The tip of my Vandoren A1 mouthpiece shattered today (absolutely gutted). I've already given my backup mouthpiece (B44) to my son.
I'm not sure whether to buy another B44 (I've seen an unused one on ebay) or to go for the Pomerico crystal ruby mouthpiece which seems to be the closest to my A1. Back in the day you could go to a shop and try lots of mouthpieces but that's not an option, so I have to pick one without trying hence focusing on one's I've had before..."
If you know exactly what you want (like B44), you can get Vandorens from Amazon, together with MP protectors, try a few and keep one, send other back after removing the protectors, which would be a small cost but ensures that the MPs that you send back are in new condition.
Another (better IMO) way would be to go to a clarinet shop. Usually a Buffet, Yamaha or Selmer dealer would have a few different MPs in stock, and will be able to give you a good advice .
Also, you can try to get a used A1 which (according to Clarinets direct) is close to 5RV.
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Author: sonicbang
Date: 2023-05-12 16:03
If you have narrowed down the choice to the B44 or a Ruby, I would go for a B44. Though I like crystals, I have never found even one with a consistent and symmetrical facing. I have worked on more than 20 Pomaricos in the past few months (fixing them for clients) and the interior is usually fine but the facing measurements were all over the map without exception.
If you really want to buy a crystal, it's best to go to a shop where you can try at least a dozen from the same type. Ordering a crystal through the mail is a hit-and-miss. Hard rubber Vandoren facings are much more reliable and consistent.
Mark
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Author: super20dan
Date: 2023-05-14 19:21
yes i would try before buy with xystal mpcs. when my obrien got broken by a careless tec-i went tru the whole stores stock at rayburns music in boston and the best one still didnt match my old one. same with ordering a uber expencive vandoren glass mpc from ww&brass back in the 80,s and it was a dud! i unloaded it but still lost $. if you insist on using xystal -have a back up thats made of something else and always carried in you case. vandy b44 is always a smart safe choice and easy to find .
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