 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2003-03-21 08:10
I read somewhere a while back that the setup one plays on an Eb clarinet is more important than the setup of a Bb. In other words it was saying that having good equipment on an Eb is necessary more so than on Bb. What are some thoughts of this? I'm not happy with my Bb standard ligature on my Eb - it doesn't seem to hold the reed very still and doesn't seem to do its job. I'm thinking of getting an Optimum ligature for it (same as my Bb/A) to match because I am happy with it, but for Eb will it really be worth it?
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Author: jez
Date: 2003-03-21 12:04
Any Eb ligature will work better than trying to use a Bb, which would surely be too big. You must have to put it lower down the mp to get it to grip.
Before you buy a very expensive lig try a basic one that's the right size.
As to whether the set-up is more crucial on the Eb, I can't see why that should be so. Good equipment is desirable on both. Looking in my own case I find I've got 4 mouthpieces and 3 ligatures for the Bb/A and just one of each for the Eb, all good quality, but I'm apparently more fussy on the bigger ones. Could be just that it gets used less often.
jez
Post Edited (2003-03-21 13:06)
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Author: HAT
Date: 2003-03-21 12:40
"Better equipment" necessary for eflat clarinet? I see it the same way as Jez. . .can't see any reason.
Playing eflat clarinet decently is helped by control, finesse and restraint. Restraint from trying to play loud all the time, which I believe is one of the main reasons inexperienced people sound so awful on eflat.
Intonation on eflat is about using your ears.
What ligature you play on eflat will make almost no difference compared to the big issues.e
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-03-21 14:10
I have found in my experiences with thre E flat clarinet the instrument and mouthpiece have to be well matched. Some of the inherent traits of the Eb is a tendency to play very sharp and lack of centre in the tone. I currently have a Vandoren B44 which I like but also a Opperman piece which has excellent tuning tendencies....
Embouchure on the Eb is very subtle and requires a good deal of delicacy especially in the alltissimo. Most player tend to "blast" too much on the Eb. Look for a combination reed/mouthpiece set up that allows for control over volume with ease....
Good Luck
David Dow
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Author: William
Date: 2003-03-21 14:30
For best results, you should use an Eb ligature for most Eb mpcs. But since my vintage Selmer HS** Eb mpc was made from a larger blank, I found that a BG Bb lig was just the right size and works quite well. I also use V12 3.5 Bb reeds, "modified" to the correct length by an electrical wire crimper.
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Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2003-03-22 07:16
I was trying to figure out why you were all telling me its best to use an Eb ligature on an Eb mouthpiece... I then realised I made a typo. It should have read:
"I'm not happy with my 'BG' (Eb) standard ligature on my Eb - it doesn't seem to hold the reed very still and doesn't seem to do its job."
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