 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Jeremy
Date: 2000-01-03 23:11
Hi, I own a Yamaha student model E-flat (alto) clarinet and am currently playing on the mouthpiece that came with it. I have been told numerous times that one thing that can improve my sound without much cost is a better mouthpiece. The problem is that I am totally not familiar with e-flat mouthpieces and am wondering if anyone had suggestions. Thank You.
-Jeremy
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kontragirl
Date: 2000-01-03 23:34
For lower clarinets, especially alto and contra (because bass is more common) you're pretty much stuck with what you've got. You might have a few more options than me (i.e. selmer...only fits selmer, bundy...only fits bundy) but there's not really that much out there for us. And if you do find a good one, it's going to cost quite a bit.
May I suggest different reed strengths. I play 3.5 on soprano, 2.5 on bass and 3 on contra. For contra, I guessed right, but for bass I tried everything! You just have to play around with them for a little while. Also different brands supposedly help, but I'm a Rico kinda gal. I can afford Vandoren if I don't eat, and Rico Royal aren't quite as bad, but I can get away with my cheapy's so I will.
The talkative Kontragirl
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: mark weinstein
Date: 2000-01-04 00:06
Nothing ever replaces trial & error. Recently,i was looking for an Eb Soprano. I tried the Hite and really liked it. The Hite webpage indicates that they also offer an Eb Alto. Available direct from Hite (and no doubt with the option of customizing the mpc, e.g. made to your specs). Hite offers it (off-the-shelf) for $104.00. A quick check of some of the retailers shows the Hite at International Musical Suppliers (IMS) for $67.00. I am pretty sure that retailers like IMS will allow you to have the Eb Alto on trial. They do with Bb, but you'll have to check with them. Again, there are, no doubt, many other mouthpieces available on the market. Good luck. mw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-01-04 00:29
I first assumed soprano, but the posts are re: alto! I was about to say I have a Couf which with limited playing seemed better than a stock Bundy, my cl is a Noblet. For Alto, a Selmer, the Sel C* [I believe] and a VD B44 were fair until I found an old Olympia to be best. As someone pointed out, its a trial process to find best [or at least good]. Luck, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kontragirl
Date: 2000-01-04 00:52
They make Hite Premier for alto? How come they don't make it for contra?!?!? That's not fair!
Kontragirl, who loves her Hite Premier.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-01-04 02:09
Kontragirl wrote:
-------------------------------
They make Hite Premier for alto? How come they don't make it for contra?!?!? That's not fair!
----
Ask Dave Hite if he'll make you one ... you never know!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kontragirl
Date: 2000-01-04 03:04
Mark Charette wrote:
-------------------------------
Ask Dave Hite if he'll make you one ... you never know!
I think I will!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2000-01-04 14:13
Jeremy--If you do not want to spend a lot of money for a custom made pro mp, perhaps you should try the LeBlanc company for their alto cl mp. Just a thought--their other mps are very good for commercially producted ones.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Lelia
Date: 2000-01-05 20:08
My alto clarinet is a 1979 Selmer. I use a Selnmer HS* mouthpiece on it and like it very much. Some people aren't wild about the Selmer mouthpieces for Bb clarinet because they can sound kind of loud and shrill, but those qualities work well on alto, IMHO. The main problem with alto clarinets is that they can sound kind of muffled, without a lot of projection. Using a Selmer mouthpiece helps, and using alto sax reeds, instead of alto clarinet reeds, can help even more. I alternate between Hemke Premium alto sax reeds and Vandoren "blue box" alto clarinet reeds, depending on what type of music I'm playing, even though my favorite reeds for Bb clarinet are Mitchell Lurie Premiums.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tim
Date: 2000-01-10 19:36
I tend to concur with Lelia's post regarding Selmer mouthpieces. Though I've never found a Bb soprano Selmer mouthpiece I've liked, the ones for the lower instruments. They are both good and popular.
As a beginner, I would not take too much stock in the suggestions to try many mouthpieces out. Once you've become accustomed to playing and mastered the basics, then maybe. As a teacher, I've learned that beginners are poor judges of quality and need direction. Mouthpiece choice is ultimately a matter of personal preference, but start with a generally accepted good one (the Selmer C or HS series for example) and play with it for a few years before looking for something else (unless your are an experienced player just switching to alto, then maybe stick with it for at least 6 months).
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
