 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Tom A
Date: 2003-06-05 13:11
I'm one of those who enjoys conducting and instrumental teaching. (A cynic will read this as I wasn't good enough to become a performer.) In any case, I dont get to do a lot of performing or even big, fun, rewarding practice sessions. It might seem a strange thing to say, but I'm not really familiar with the quality of my own sound because I don't play as much as I'd like.
Now, having read the great mouthpiece and ligature debates since I first signed on a few weeks ago, I often thought "Get a life!" Until, that is, I dropped my B45 of 12 years' vintage onto a wooden floor last Monday. Guess which posts I've been reading since then!
After some mouthpiece testing today, I found a setup that gives a good response, but it's difficult to compare the sound quality with my old setup, for the reason I just mentioned. (I think we talk about "darkness vs brightness".) For the record, it's an R13 and I'm looking at an M13 profile 88, with an optimum ligature. I like the sound, but it also seems "strong" or bright compared to what I sometimes hear with others.
Getting to the point now...
My questions are: a) How much does a "dark" tone matter to you all, and
b) I know everyone needs their own combination, but does anyone else happen to use this or a similar mouthpiece/lig setup?
Cheers.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-06-05 13:18
I've used the M13/R13 combo and find it so-so but haven't tried an Optimum lig as yet. I generally use Rovners. I like the 5RV lyre better. I associate "dark tone" with the need for a strong embouchure.....stronger than mine......and more difficult "blowing" . I prefer a more relaxed playing situation.....meaning a softer reed and more open mp......and a sound that isn't necessarily dark in the upper register. Happy searching.
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-06-05 13:53
Dear William:
Seems like your onto a pretty standard type set up. I just would add that take maybe a bit more time before you settle on a particular mouthpiece.
Great players all tend to go to something that is near just because its convenient. However, not that the M13 is bad, but be sure to test and come away that this particular set up will give you what you want out of the clarinet.
Words like dark and bright ascribe meaning only in the context of how you think the instrument should sound....I would try to choose a mouthpiece that allows you to play with a flexibility in tone color as well. Just playing dark is not what Ravel would have in mind...but more what Brahms would look for possibly.
Very rare does a player just happen upon the right set up...sometimes it takes years to find what works best...this can be a frustration for some players and there teacher....
If you expect to sound your best make sure this set up gives you dynamics and clean easy articulation...not easy to find in a mouthpiece....
Have a colleague or clarinet player listen and watch what you are doing...if the set up involves strain then rethink the piece you have now....
To be frank, also listen for eveness across the break register. So many players have trouble in this region in the simplest legato because the mouthpiece they choose has too much resistance....
I would say the M15 is a decent piece...if it makes a great sound for you and plays in tune and you can find your "voice" with this set up...then jump at the opportunity to improve.
Be sure to try several facings as well to compare note(ie 10 M15s)...just to be sure you are getting the one that feels best and sounds your best!!
David Dow
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-06-05 14:16
Wm TC - I have a number of mps [like many of us!], several VD's. I consider my 11.6 as my "dark" and some glasses as intermediate or somewhat bright. Looking on the mp-comparison charts, which may generally be based on tip openings, not lay-lengths [others please comment on my assumption] , I was somewhat surprised to see the M13 in a column adjacent to the Selmer HS* [dont like it!] and the 11.6 in the same column as the B45 [dont care for it either]. You may want to experiment with several, perhaps your repairer may have a collection, find a good one, and then go to one of our fine mp maker-refacers for a custom-made. Some "glowing" reports have been posted here. Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: William
Date: 2003-06-05 14:59
And, if you like the M13 P88, be sure that you try more than just one of that model mpc. Not all mouthpieces--even the same make and model--will play the same, and you most likely will find one particular mpc that "stands our" from the rest. What you really want is one that articulates cleanly throughout your clarinets playing range and allows flexability of sound from soft to loud without losing focus. The one that sounds the best and plays the easiest will most likely become "the one" for you.
As for "dark" vs "bright"--don't worry so much about it. It is more important that you decide what kind of sound you like--your inner tonal concept developed by years of listening to other clarinetists. Whatever clarinet sound you decide is "good" is the sound you will eventually gravitate towards. Your brain is your most influential "piece" of musical equipement, and the farther you get from that, the less important the other parts of your instrument become. Really, if you find any mpc/reed/lig setup that allows you to play easily with a clear tone quality and a clarinet that is relatively "in tune" (non of them are perfect), your brain will take care of the important tasks needed for "quality" musical performance.
The great clarinetists play better than most of us because they are talented and know how to play, not because they use any particular brand of equipement. Example, no matter that I am plaing my hand picked, factory tweeked, expensive top-of-the-line clarinet and my $600.00 mpc with carefully selected and well balanced "most pros use them" reeds, Larry Combs will still win the audition playing on any plastic student clarinet, a mpc "off the shelf" and a new reed (any strength or brand), because he simply plays the equipement better than I can.
Knowledge, attitude, mental vision and talent are most important--the equipement is only the "vehical". Learn to drive--then pick the car that gives you the best ride. (of course, it is easier to learn in an automatic than a "stick")
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-06-05 15:50
William I agree with everything, but would like to add great players play great also because they find the set up that works best for them and exploit it.....
I know alot of Principal orchestrral clarinet players who cannot play on certain set ups....
myself included!!! the idea that they sound great on everything they play is a bit far fetchced,.....
David Dow
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