 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2004-02-04 02:34
I don't know much about mouthpieces, I play on a Greg Smith 'K' and Leblanc Concerto. I've been using Vandoren V12 3.5's, but lately I love Gonzales (unfortunately I got a box that was too hard for me).
Since Gregory designed his mouthpieces for Buffets, is it possible I am not getting the best out of this mouthpiece since it's on a Leblanc? I mean, I love it and there are no tuning problems, I'm just wondering if there's a better combination out there to go with the Gonzales/Leblanc combination.
For Gonzales users, what setup are you using? What other factors have you played around with and what were the general results? I'm hoping to get a cleaner, more responsive setup. I don't think Gonzales suit this mouthpiece.
Thanks in advance, hope what I said wasn't confusing, I really don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to mpcs!
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Author: Bellflare
Date: 2004-02-04 02:47
This is easy....call Greg and ask.
Or...try another Gonz. strength.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-02-04 02:51
When I talked to Greg Smith he told me that he knows quite a few people that get good results with gonzalez reeds on his mouthpieces. He plays V12 size 3.5 I think. But he said FOF's are good reeds and he knows many people that get good results with them.
I use gonzalez right now. I found that I get the best reed when I order a much harder reed than what I need and I sand it down to a softer size using Ridenour's ATG system (disclaimer - not affiliated in any way with TR). Perhaps you might (before tossing those reeds) want to experiment with ways of softening up the reeds. Some different grit sandpapers, reed rush, etc. I used size 4.0's sanded a little bit but just bought a box of 4.5's and will break those in and work some adjustment magic on them next.
I honestly don't think there should be TOO much of a difference mouthpiece-wise between a Buffet R13 (what Greg Smith plays) and a leblanc concerto. If you had said you played a Leblanc Pete Fountain, or a 1010, or other DRASTICALLY different bore clarinet, I might've thought twice about that statement. But I think they are close enough that you won't have to worry about an "ideal" match.
If you think about it, GS mpcs also are best matched to a chadash barrel. However plenty of people use other barrels and still think they're mouthpieces are great. Or maybe you might want to look into a DEG Moennig barrel (since chadash barrel is said to be similar to the moennig barrel).
Alexi
PS - I currently play on a gigliotti P mouthpiece refaced by Dave Spiegelthal with filed down 4.0 reeds and an Francois Louis ligature. But I currently have a few Greg Smiths that I'm going to try out when my new clarinet arrives as well as another mouthpiece refaced by him (a selmer S1 crystal) against my current mouthpiece. It'll probably be one of the hardest mouthpiece trial tests recorded in history! I'm really looking forward to it as well as dreading having to make a final choice at the same time . . .
Also, what ligature are you using? I personally think that the Rovner cloth ligatures tend to deaden my articulation and response. Just wondering.
Retired, playing more sax than clarinet, but still playing clarinet and still loving it!
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-02-04 02:57
sfalexi wrote:
> (disclaimer - not affiliated in any way with TR).
A disclaimer would be required if you were associated with TR in any way; since you're not, a disclaimer is not required.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-02-04 03:04
Thanks mark. I always thought disclaimers were necessary if I seem like I could be doing blatent advertising. I saw it used in that manner and thought that was the way I had to use it. Now I know better. Guess I need to reword my signature . . .
Alexi
Retired, playing more sax than clarinet, but still playing clarinet and still loving it!
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Author: ksclarinetgirl
Date: 2004-02-04 03:33
LeWhite-
I'm extremely curious: I will be ordering a box of Gonzalez's tomorrow and I also use V12 3.5s. What strength is too hard for you? I know that I can sand anything down that I need, but time is a huge issue w/ me. I want to be able to pull these things out, break them in, and be done with it! Thanks!!!
Stephanie :o)
"Vita Brevis, Ars Longa"
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-02-04 04:02
ksclarinetgirl,
When I was using 3.5 V12,s I ordered 3.75 FOFs without much of a problem.
Alexi
Retired, playing more sax than clarinet, but still playing clarinet and still loving it!
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-02-04 05:08
Unless you are playing an extremely faced mouthpiece (a very short or very long facing) I can not see why Gonzalez reeds would give you a problem as to "matching".
The last time I saw Phil Shapiro from Davie Cane, he was using Gonzalez FOF reeds with a Hawkins mouthpiece, a Spriggs ligature and playing Selmer Signature clarinets.
I use Gonzalez FOF reeds with a Vandoren crystal or a Kaspar mouthpiece, a Harrison or Bonade inverted ligature and Buffet clarinets.
Two completely different set-ups. Both work...GBK
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2004-02-04 10:10
Ok, I am using 3.75s and they're QUITE STIFF for me, so much so that my mouth and throat will actually hurt if I play them too long.
I asked about the mouthpiece combination because the reeds tend to 'chirp' in higher registers.
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