 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Nick
Date: 2002-09-26 16:26
Well, I've been playing for about two months now, so I'm not completely new at this. I'm really serious about the instrument and I'd like to buy a new mouthpiece and/or ligature.
But first I have to know.. to what extent does the mouthpiece and ligature affect my tone? Will it be easier for me to play with a better mouthpiece? Right now I am using a plain plastic mouthpiece that came with my instrument (it's a yamaha clarinet).
Thanks.
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Author: tim k
Date: 2002-09-26 16:37
Best way to find out is to go to a store that sells Vandoren mouthpieces. Vandoren makes a wide variety of tip sizes and facings. Try several mouthpieces, see what you think. I believe, probably wrongly, that the ligature will have more effect on playability than on tone.
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Author: Mark S.
Date: 2002-09-26 16:44
Fellow Sneezy denizens will heap the recommendations upon you. I will limit my comment to saying -- absolutely "yes", get a new mouthpiece. The mouthpieces that come with the instruments are as useful as the pictures of somebody else's family that come in picture frames at WalMart.
A good mouthpiece/ligature/reeds makes all the difference in playability, particularly for a beginner. You should be focusing on your technique, not fighting inferior equipment.
Best of luck.
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Author: Robert
Date: 2002-09-26 17:04
I think that the ligature makes very little difference compared to the huge difference a mouthpiece can make. For a beginner I would suggest investing in a good mouthpiece, but I wouldn't fork out the money for a fancy ligature until you're more advanced.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-09-26 17:08
Without going down the road of "you will sound like you no matter what mouthpiece/ligature combination you use", the short answer is that a quality (which does not necessarily mean expensive) combination will help you to produce your inherent sound with much less effort.
There are lots of good high quality starter/beginner mouthpieces with decent facings. I try to steer my students towards a Fobes Debut or a Hite Premier. Both are finely made products that will help formulate that important first conception of a lovely, singing clarinet tone...GBK
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Author: William
Date: 2002-09-26 17:29
I would recommend that you look for qualities of response with varying articulations in all registers and focus of sound maintained while playing from loud to soft, rather than simply "what sounds good." Intonation is a slightly more advanced concern. GBK's advice regarding individual and reasonably priced mpc products is (as usual) "right on." I would add the name of Walter Grabner who is making his brand of mouthpiece from the Zinner blanks that many other mpc makers use, for a quite reasonable cost. Personally, I know that his bass clarinet models are simply "the best" (for me, that is). Walter is a Sneezy Sponser and nice to work with.
Another Sneezy Sponser that produces excellant Kaspar and Chedeville copies, is Gregory Smith, of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. His prices are somewhat higher than the others, but he is accessable and will work with you to get the best mpc for you.
Both Walter and Gregory are "just a phone call away." (as I am sure Clark Fobes also is)
IMHO. a good mouthpiece is more important than a good clarinet.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-09-26 17:44
There's one chance in a zillion that your stock mouthpiece is 'right' for you, Nick. Much like new shoes, try as many (within your budget) as you can. Don't feel you have to buy something right away, or disappointed if you don't find something the first time - take your time and try 'em all... like shoes, it's gotta feel right FOR YOU before you plunk your money down 
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Author: Nick
Date: 2002-09-26 20:10
Hi, everyone, and thanks for all the great replies. I'll shop around a bit and see what's best.
I just have one more question.
What's a "facing"? Ever since I started looking at mpc websites this afternoon, I see that word everywhere. What makes the difference between a good facing and a bad one?
Thanks again.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2002-09-26 20:40
Actually, folk, if the mouthpiece in question is a stock Yamaha 4C, then I'd say it's a fine student mouthpiece. Yamaha is one of the few that supply a pretty good mouthpiece with their clarinets.
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Author: RonD
Date: 2002-09-27 00:04
You might wish to try a Pyne Polycrystal mouthpiece, its inexpensive and I was very pleased with the one I purchased. I believe that Pyne is a sponsor on this board.
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Author: Kirk
Date: 2002-09-27 01:24
I agree with GBK, the Hite Premier really made a difference for me. I was using the stock mpc that came with my clarinet. It is a brand x no-name brand. At first, I thought "yeah, yeah it can't make any REAL difference." But then I tried the Hite with a Vandy Optimum lig and what a awesome change it made. Worth the money !
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-09-27 02:52
Mark C though it vexes me no end, I agree totally with you on the Yamaha comment
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-09-27 03:08
Uh oh...Diz is commenting on a mouthpiece/ligature thread.
He usually avoids these type of threads like the plague.
Hey diz - welcome aboard!! ...GBK (in real life, diz's close friend)
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-09-27 12:55
I agree with Mark also.
For a beginner there is nothing wrong with a Yamaha 4C.
Sometimes I wonder if those who rubbish it, perhaps in their colective rubbishing of ALL beginner clarinets' mouthpieces, have ever tried it.
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Author: d dow
Date: 2002-09-27 22:47
The 4C is actually a decent mouthpiece and totally agree it is worth for studnets to learn on!
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Author: Stéphane
Date: 2002-09-27 23:00
My very first clarinet was a plastic Yamaha that came with the 4C m/p. Despite all previous comments I must confess that my sound got much better the moment I replaced it with a vandoren 5RV Lyre (my teacher strongly agreed). But that's only my own experience. Maybe I should try my 4C on my Buffet Prestige now?
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2002-09-28 10:31
Nick tells us that his mouthpiece is a Buffet, not a 4C. These seem to have an awful reputation.
I have been playing a Yamaha plastic clarinet (YCL26...) since I started in April 2001. It came with a 6C mouthpiece, not a 4C. I *think* I am right in saying that the 6C is cheaper than the 4C.
After 3 months I changed to a Vandoren 5RVLyre 13/88. This seemed to be the best of the four Vandoren models I was advised to try.
I occasionally go back to the 6C just to see what happens. The sound isn't so good.
But the other advice I received - and I suspect it was very good advice - is not to worry too much about equipment. With 17 months' playing experience, I don't feel qualified to choose between a lot of fancy mouthpieces. Surely it is necessary to develop the embouchure to a decent standard before trying to make such judgements. I suspect the same is even more true of Nick, who has only been playing for two months. I doubt Nick is anywhere near ready to take William's advice to "look for qualities of response with varying articulations in all registers and focus of sound maintained while playing from loud to soft".
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-09-28 15:26
Here, at any rate, 3C to 7C are all listed at the same price. The only difference is the tip opening. 4C is the factory offering that comes with student instruments. I wouldn't have thought 7C to be suitable for a beginner.
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Author: Ilkka
Date: 2002-09-30 06:19
4C is easy to blow, and so come it is suitable for beginner, for getting decent sound easily. But, the sound of 4C is quite thin. So when you get some experience, and want better tone, get a 5RV or B45, and you have fuller sound. 7C is open and difficult.
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