 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Malaya
Date: 2003-02-08 15:32
I'm looking for a new mouthpiece... I've played on a Brilhart for a few weeks to try it out (an OLD one Grandma found in a box...) and it's not really consistent enough for me. It often takes 20 minutes worth of adjusting to get it to play with the ease and tone I want, and that's too much time to "waste" in a high school band class. I've searched around on WW&BW's website a little, and requested a catalog so that I can get some ideas for what to try. (A friend told me they'll send you 3 or 4 at a time to try, and you can send back the ones you don't like...) I don't want to spend a whole lot of money, but I'd like something with a good clear sound, and consistency/ease of playing with a Vandoren 3-3.5 reed. I've heard Vandoren B45's are good, and I'm also interested in trying a Pete Fountain Crystal, but have heard very little about it. I really don't want to spend any more than about 80$, and that's about the cost of a Pomarico or Pete Fountain crystal. Any suggestions? Or am I just too picky?
*~*Malaya*~*
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Author: Benni
Date: 2003-02-08 15:47
I recently bought a Pete Fountain crystal, and I really like it. I wanted something with a similar feel to a B45, but with better response and more focus (like a K10M), and I found it in the Pete Fountain. Definately try out several mpcs, though, and get what suits you! :-) Best of luck!
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Author: Corey
Date: 2003-02-08 16:44
Walter Grabner ( who is a sponsor) makes excellent mouthpieces for under $100. I play one and highly recommend them! -Corey
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Author: Bryan
Date: 2003-02-08 17:28
I'd second the suggestion of Walter Grabner. If cost is an issue (and when isn't it?), try one of his 'conservatory' model, which I think is $70.
Many of the better makers offer student and/or lower-priced models that are probably better than most of the commercial offerings.
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Author: Kenny
Date: 2003-02-08 19:59
Clark Fobes "NOVA" A great mouthpiece at a very reasonable cost.
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Author: bob49t
Date: 2003-02-09 07:06
Yes Walter does great things with m/p's.
Quite a few of my colleagues here in Scotland have them. I have a Grabner Eb 'piece and an absolutely stunning bass 'piece from him.
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Author: Brittany
Date: 2003-02-11 14:03
I haven't tried either one of these, but I say try both of them and see which one feels the best for you. I have a Gigliotti and I have good luck with these mouthpieces. Try a few different kinds out if that is possible for you and then go with what feels right for your personal playing style.
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2003-04-09 20:43
My Walter Grabner CW-AX for my Bb arrived today. I can take all the rest of what I have out of my bag, for now--they are history. Thanks to Walter, a "Sneezy sponser"
Bob A
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Author: PJ
Date: 2003-04-09 21:14
I've never played a Pete Fountain, but I do own a Pomarico. From what I understand, the cooling process is quite unstable so the consitency between mouthpieces varies a bit. If you are interested in trying one I would suggest the Ruby. It seems to be in the medium range for tip opening and facing length.
In this same facing category, I would suggest the Gigliotti 3 and Vandoren M30 (a bit more closed, but nice) in addition to the Pomarico. All of these should be in your price range and will play well with a Vandoren 3.5. I played on a Gigliotti all the way through school and used the Pomarico as my back-up until I bought an old Kaspar. I will admit, I've never tried one of Mr. Grabner's mouthpieces although I've heard great remarks on them as well as his barrels.
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Author: Karel
Date: 2003-04-10 02:55
J&D Hite mouthpieces are available from WW&BW for about $60, are handmade and excellent. I haven't tried Walter's mpc yet, but sure would like to.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-04-10 03:53
There are WAY too many "pro" models to worry about testing them all. I would just find a mouthpiece that seems to say to me, "It may be hard/easy to play, but I really like it's tone and flexibility". And at that point I'd work on myself to be able to work with that mouthpiece rather than finding a mouthpiece that works with what I'm doing already.
alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: SJ
Date: 2003-04-10 04:29
I spent last saturday afternoon with Robert Borbeck in Las Vegas. He reworked my mouthpiece and now plays great for me. While there,I tried his handmade pieces. This man is a master craftsman. I would suggest trying the Borbeck mouthpieces availible through Woodwind and Brasswind for around $88.00. He also had such an extensive collection of old Kaspars, that he could become an ebay millionaire!
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-04-10 13:49
For a very low price the Vandoren B40 is very good, as well as the D J&D Hite Facing which I particularly think is excellent.
David Dow
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-04-10 22:16
May I make a research recommendation?
Get the latest International Musical Suppliers catalog, they have an excellent chart comparing the various mouthpiece markings to some standards. Using a #3.5 reed with the previously mentioned Pete Fountain or B45 mouthpieces may be a struggle.
AGAIN I SAY -
Medium facings with medium tip openings are good for medium strength reeds and will induce longer playing sessions.
Big openings and soft reeds are for very experienced players.
Small tip openings and hard reeds, likewise for the top dogs.
Try Gramma's mouthpiece with a softer reed, whydoncha?
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Author: Benni
Date: 2003-04-11 00:23
I usually play a medium or hard 3 or a soft 3.5 (according to Zonda) on my Pete Fountain, but I do think that that's about the limit on that mpc. In fact, I'd play a softer reed on it, but I'm not real crazy about how 2.5s sound past the G right above the staff.
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Author: monique
Date: 2003-04-11 04:56
thank you for your message, it is the input I needed, I am ready to change my mouthpiece and was very confused, your guidelines are exactly what I needed. I
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Author: cyso_clarinetist
Date: 2003-04-11 06:29
I agree with PJ about the Vandoren M30's. If you try those make sure you try them in Tradional, profile 88 and 13 series. They are all a bit different and depending on how you play one may be more in tune than the other and so forth. At the moment that is what I use and I am very happy with.
I am very surprised at everyone! How can a thread like this go by and not one person mention the fantastic mouthpiece's of Richard Hawkins? They are great and not as expensive as some other handmade mouthpieces.
Also I hear the Greg Smith is a good mouthpiece (though I have never tried one). Check those out...
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Author: SusanB
Date: 2003-04-11 21:44
I just bought two Gregory Smith mouthpieces, and they are excellent. Maybe a little more than you are wanting to spend, but they are definitely worth every penny.
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Author: sinkdraiN
Date: 2003-04-11 22:28
I second the B40. I find the high points of the B40 to be a clear focused tone, even sound throughout the range, and a wide range of dynamics. The pleasant "ring" in the tone is a nice bonus too.
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