 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jane
Date: 2000-02-08 23:44
I have a King clarinet - plastic, beginner's crappy clarinet that I've been playing for about seven years. I don't like it, and in my early years, having not recieved lessons since the beginning of 1999, I had no idea about embouchure and bit into the mouthpiece. My tone is relatively okay but I'm afraid that the mouthpiece is affecting the way that I play. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for buying a mouthpiece of a different brand. Do I have to match the bore in the mouthpiece? I don't have enough money to buy a new instrument (and I do not have the skill or dedication to continue playing after my high school years) but if my sound can improve by purchasing a new mouthpiece, I will not hesitate to buy a new one.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
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Author: Meri
Date: 2000-02-09 01:12
Definitely improve your mouthpiece! I know Fobes makes really good mouthpieces at an excellent price--they're a sponsor here on sneezy.
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Author: Pam
Date: 2000-02-09 02:14
I have found that a new mouthpiece has improved my sound on the clarinet from day 1! I am currently playing a Vandoren B45. Even though I'm playing an older plastic horn just the change in mouthpiece has helped to make a big difference.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-02-09 02:17
A better mouthpiece is an excellent idea. Both the Fobes Debut and Hite Premier are recommended frequently on this board as good, inexpensive mouthpieces.
Reconsider playing after high school. Playing music recreationally can be a great stress reliever (been there, done that as they say). You don't have to be great to enjoy it.
There are many community bands that would welcome additional players of any level of ability. You don't have to be dedicated and serious just willing to play. I know many adult players who have very little time or inclination for serious practicing yet they contribute to the band and are happy to play the needed but not so demanding third clarinet parts.
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Author: Frank O'Brien
Date: 2000-02-09 06:28
Jane,
You are quite right to look into another mpc. They are more
responsible for the sound you get that you can imagine.
I played a B45 for some time and found it good. I have switched to a Greg Smith Kasper and find it better. I believe that one reason that a custom mpc can be better is because there is more care taken with the facing, the part that the reed rests on. Some mass-manufactored mps are good and some of the same kind are not because of an uneven facing. The trouble is that some customs are expensive when
compared with the mass-produced ones.
Have some one with experience listen to the mpcs you are considering. My teacher tells me when my mpc is working or not.
Also, be sure that you are using a well-finished reed. I have found that even my best sounding mpc can sound stuffy and out of tune because my reed is not at exactly the right place on the mpc or because my reed is itself uneven and not matching the mpc facing. [The reed tip should be dead even with the top of the mpc or even a hair-width above the tip.]
Once you get a couple of good reeds use them with your mpc trials.
I assume your clar has no air leaks around the pads.
Looking for mpcs [and ligatures and barrels] is part of the religious aspect of playing clarinet. Welcome to the club!
Frank
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-02-09 13:14
Frank O'Brien wrote:
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...[The reed tip should be dead even with the top of the mpc or even a hair-width above the tip.]
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They can also be a hair-width below the tip. It all depends on the individual reed and mouthpiece.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-02-09 22:55
Good advice above, well said, Dee. Community band playing is great experience and the fellowship cant be beat. Stay with it! Don
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Author: Jane
Date: 2000-02-10 07:48
I appreciate you all taking the time to respond. I'll certainly have a look around then. My teacher (who is an experienced clarinet player) thought that there would be a problem matching the bore between mouthpiece and instrument, but I guess not. I'll speak with him again on Monday about it.
Thanks again.
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Author: Andy J
Date: 2000-02-12 01:50
If you can find an old "B1" mouthpiece you lucky hehe.
They have a great sound, even better than my B45!
But since they don't make them anymore... oh well.
I think it's made by "Wells" says chicago on it also...
It's real nice =)
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-02-12 20:34
Correct, Andy, I have 2 Wells mp's, both very good, my B2 has a smaller-than-usual opening with curved "bottom" which is excellent for orch playing. My other [B1, I think] is similar but with a "usual" opening. I know of a Well's patent showing a "key-hole" shaped opening. For my playing now I use an old BG Benny G signature for bigger sound and others. Don
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