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RE: Is SETUP worth for unprofessional model?

Author: Dee
Date: 1999-10-08 17:37

charles wrote:
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I know that most of the players don't use the original barrel, ligature and mouthpiece which comes with instrument. Because they can expect better quality of tone and sound. I have Buffet E-13 (that is not top line) with M13, Rovner ligature and original barrel. Can I expect better tone and sound with different set of setup with my E-13? Or it doesn't make big difference.
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Setup makes a huge difference on any instrument. If you put a professional (or near professional) quality mouthpiece on even the oldest, most beatup student horn you can find, you should experience a noticeable difference in intonation, sound quality and playability.

Here is my list of the most important things, in order of importance, that goes toward playing well and playing easily.

1. Player technique, especially embouchure and breath support.
2. Good quality reed that is correctly matched in strength to the mouthpiece.
3. Good quality mouthpiece
4. Appropriate good quality ligature that is suitable for the mouthpiece/reed/embouchure combination.
5a. Barrel (may be more or less important than the clarinet)
5b. Clarinet itself.

Notice that the clarinet goes at the bottom of the list. You could have the greatest clarinet in the world but if you haven't addressed items 1 through 4, it will sound like junk.

On the other hand, focus on 1 through 4 and even a 1930s junk Pan American can sound pretty good and not be too god awful to play (I know. I've been there and done that).

Newer instruments from the better makers such as the E-13 (Buffet's high end intermediate) can sound and play great. Even the student grade instruments from the top makers are pretty nice when items 1 through 4 have been addressed. I have a Leblanc Vito (student plastic) that I picked up for my daughter to march with and it's pretty nice with a Vandoren B45 mouthpiece and Mitchell Lurie reeds.

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