 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Anne
Date: 2001-10-15 16:30
After a few months of playing my teacher recommended me to try another mouthpiece (instead of Yamaha), so I got 3 Vandorens at home for a week to try out. Canīt make up my mind though, they all sound good! Anybody have any advice on what the difference is between B45, B40 and B40-88 (the one that looks like black and brown marble...). If I mostly like playing ballads and classical music, which one is the best?
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Author: james
Date: 2001-10-15 17:34
get a hawkins!!!!!!!! it will be the easiest choice you ever made in your clarinet life.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-10-15 18:30
There have been tons of suggestions over the months here on Sneezy about mouthpieces. I recommend any of the handmades over the Vandoren. Why not look into Gregory Smith's? He's a sponsor and will let you try several before buying. Or, the Hawkins is also a good recommendation. You can search for one at woodwind and brasswind (www.wwandbw.com) or some other discount seller. Of course, there's also eBay for a bargain.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2001-10-15 19:23
The reason they all seem similar to you is probably the fact that they are all fairly similar in resistance, they have medium-open tips with a medium long facing. Since it was your teacher who recommended you get another mouthpiece, and you have a week for trial, why not play the three for her/him at your lesson and see if s/he can tell a difference and if there really is a noticeable improvement from any of them? Your teacher should have an experienced ear and will hear you differently than you hear yourself. Play at different volume levels, test for responsiveness to changes in volume, play leaps between registers, see which one allows you to articulate most clearly, test for intonation. But do all this with your teacher or another experienced listener.
It has almost reached the level of cliche on this list but it is still true. Mouthpiece preference is an individual matter. The best mouthpiece for James on his clarinet, with his facial structure and embouchure, using his reeds, playing his music in his style may be the worst choice for you. Welcome to the search for the clarinetist's holy grail!
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Carmen Izzo
Date: 2001-10-15 23:39
I suggest that you try them against different brands/styles of mouthpieces before you go in depth to which individual mpc. Try a Hawkins or the illustrious Greg Smith, very nice moutpieces.
~Carmen
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-10-16 14:14
Yes, mouthpieces really make a huge difference in how we clarinetists sound and how we play. A good one can make a bad instrument sound like a good instrument. It's quite remarkable. I can't think of another instrument that responds as miraculously to a mouthpiece as the clarinet, nor one that is as dependent upon one for decent sound quality.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2001-10-16 17:20
Try a number of things. In addition, I would suggest you try Clark Fobes mouthpieces (sneezy sponsor). Great products, extremely knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.Go with what you like. Consult with your teacher and other colleagues. Good Luck!
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-10-17 21:11
I also like the Fobes 2M. Also like Charles Bay mouthpieces. Lots of good choices out there.
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