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Clarinet Mouthpieces

Author: SubDivideAndConquer
Date: 2004-01-25 19:55

Hi, I'm considering buying a new mouthpiece and my instructor suggested Vandoren B45,B40,or M15. I've tried the 45 and it seemed okay, but I heard that when you finally break it in, it's awesome. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which is the best for them and which seems to be better? Thanks-

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Re: Clarinet Mouthpieces

Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-25 20:34

There are plenty (and I mean PLENTY) of threads on suggestions for mouthpieces. But first off, two very important questions, how long have you been playing and what are you playing on right now?

The hard thing with mouthpieces are there are so many to choose from (one major distributor lists 104 on their website) and there are plenty that aren't even listed there. The best advice I've heard is to "go out and try them". Find a store that has a good selection and order and test as many as you can (and certainly keep a record of the ones you liked better than others).

Alexi

US Army Japan Band

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Re: Clarinet Mouthpieces

Author: David Peacham
Date: 2004-01-25 21:31

I would ask your instructor on what basis he is recommending those particular mouthpieces. Is he recommending them because he thinks they would be good for you, or because they are all popular mouthpieces?

I have recently changed to an M15. It is dramatically different from the other two. I would question whether someone who is comfortable with an M15 is likely also be comfortable with a B45 or B40.

The trouble with testing mouthpieces in a shop is that it doesn't work. Different mouthpieces work well with different strengths and designs of reed. If you go to the shop and try ten mouthpieces with one reed, all you are really determining is which mouthpiece works best with that type of reed. That is why shops will allow you to take a mouthpiece for a week's trial.

I have never heard of the idea of "breaking in" a mouthpiece. But that may very well be my ignorance.

Some useful advice can be found at http://www.pillingermouthpieces.co.uk/Choosempc.html

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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.

To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.

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Re: Clarinet Mouthpieces

Author: BobD
Date: 2004-01-26 13:18

I play a M15 regularly and it "likes" reeds stiffer than #2. I've got a couple B45s and they're OK. Never tried a B40. Surprised he didn't also suggest a 5RVL. Why the change?

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