The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Drew
Date: 2000-02-10 15:30
I recently purchased a new Buffet E11 Eb soprano clarinet, and am using a "loaner" Vandoren B44 (quite vintage) mp rather than the stock Buffet mp. The Vandoren was loaned to me by my clarinet teacher, but I'll need to return it eventually.
Yesterday I recieved a Selmer HS* EB mouthpiece from an online auction. The Selmer works fine, probably better than the Vandren, but then again I haven't had a chance to check it against a tuning meter. However, I noticed something rather strange; the tenon length on the Selmer is about 1mm longer than the Vandoren, causing the Selmer to have an exterior gap between the mp and barrel of about the same dimension (1mm). This causes the mp to "rock" in the joint somewhat if any pressure is put on the mp beak. I suppose recorking the mp would help, but I'm troubled by the gap. I suppose if the mp makes the instrument flat, I could file/sand about 1mm off the mp tenon. Comments?
I've gone through the Klarinet archives regarding "eefer" mps, and noted that the Hite mps seem to be especially popular. I'd love to hear from someone who is using one of these mps, and other info on setup (reed, lig, etc.).
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Author: Brent
Date: 2000-02-11 12:12
I use a Hite Eb mouthpiece (i have one for the Bb and one for the bass as well-i really like 'em). I've not tried oodles of mouthpieces (the LeBlanc that came with the clarinet, a couple of Selmers and a Van Doren) but i like the Hite as well as any of them. It's easy to play, easier to get the sound i want, and although i have to work at it still, it seems to be easier to tune (that may just be my bias coming out).
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Author: Alphie
Date: 2000-02-11 16:39
The most important thing about choosing an Eb-cl. MP is to find one that helps you up in the extreme register whithout problems. On a MP like B44 that has a quite large tip-opening the danger is that you have to bite too much just to get the notes out and that's gonna ruin your lips sooner or later. Try to find a MP with a small tip-opening so that you easily can master relatively hard reeds. You should be able to play a g''' without too much trouble. Personaly I use a Michell Lurie crystal MP and Vandoren Bb-reeds #4. (not V12, they are too stuffy for the Eb-cl.) If I can find them the Vandoren Black Masters (german cut) work perfectly on the french MP's The advantage of using a crystal MP is that it gives you a darker less penetrated sound.
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Author: Daniel
Date: 2000-02-15 04:34
I've tried the Hite, Greg Smith and Clark Fobes Efer mouthpieces and my personal favorite for tuning and tone was Greg's. However I just got a Kaspar last week and have switched to that and am keeping my Greg Smith as my back up.
Any of these three are much better than off the shelf Vandorens or Selmers. Though vintage Selmers are quite nice. Especially if you can find an old "oval-stamp" Selmer.
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