 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jangjiman
Date: 2006-02-12 00:15
I have been taking lessons and my teacher is not recommending that i upgrade from my b45 to something more custom. My tone is very good with my b45 but sounds a little too edgy when im playing higher notes. My teacher recommended the pyne signature BN and after blowing it, I could see why. It got rid of my edginess right away. My problem is that the mouthpiece is a bit over priced. I heard that Clark Fobes mouthpieces were excellent as well. So hasanyone tried both and can tell me which one of fobes' mouthpieces is the most similar to the pyne signature BN.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2006-02-12 00:23
jangjiman wrote:
> My problem is that the mouthpiece is a bit
> over priced.
Why look for something similar, when you've found what you feel is just what you need?
As we all know, mouthpieces can run from $25 to more than $500.
The price of a mouthpiece is what it is - Each maker is free to set it as he sees fit.
Take it or leave it.
If it is a mouthpiece which will last you 20 years - amortize that cost over the 20 period period. It then becomes pennies a day....
That is a VERY inexpensive investment for something which you find suitable to your playing.
Some players (incorrectly) search for years for the best mouthpiece, others are still searching.
My advice: If you like it, buy it ...GBK
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2006-02-12 02:44
jangjiman -
A good player can sound good on any equipment. However, a new mouthpiece could help you sound your best. You don't have to spend hundreds. There are quite good mouthpieces available for around $35 -- the Fobes Debut for example.
Also, I recommend an exercise taught to me by the great teacher Keith Stein, which I have described here several times.
Play a low A at a comfortable dynamic -- mp or mf. Gradually squeeze the register key, so that you don't know when you will jump up to the E above. Don't vary your embouchure, and carry the warmth of the low register up to the second register.
Next, play the A-E and then roll your left index finger down very slowly, so that you don't know when you will jump up to the altissimo C#. Again, work hard to carry the warmth of the low A (and the clarity and ease of the E) up to the C#. Decrescendo on the C#, keeping the tone covered and sweet.
Move up by half steps to Bb-F-D, B-F#-Eb, C-G-E, and C#-G#-F. Get used to carrying the warmth up to the high notes.
Ken Shaw
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Author: ken
Date: 2006-02-12 03:41
Absolutely; price should never be a factor; I would save up and spring for the Pyne. A good mpc that takes the player to the next level(s) is always worth the investment. Everything is relative; a $75-200 mpc (or even expert adjustment job on your B45) is well within perspective compared to paying $650 for a Behn Vintage Kaspar.
Beware of quick-fix syndrome: With any new equipment -- particularly with mpcs and tone -- there may be noticeable change or improvement but after 2-4 weeks of regular use the honeymoon is generally over and your "natural sound settles" back in. That is, if the edginess (or brightness) is an inherent playing characteristic all the lessons, mpcs, reeds, ligatures, barrels, or $5K horns on this Harold Wright planet will completely eliminate it.
And, there are many solutions for upper register edginess without having to swap hardware. Simply playing more in the 3rd octave, adding short chromatic exercises to daily routine; i.e., practicing attacks, slow, deliberate technique building solidifies a good tone; self recording and analysis, tonal concept, ear training listening to other clarinetists (a lot of them), using the fullest (and full) fingerings that speak well. And, along with this comes the great responsibility and challenge of producing varying shades.
Finally, it is not a crisis for the American clarinetist to have a slight edginess in the altissimo; surely, not worth cutting off a right ear. v/r Ken
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-02-12 09:35
I think some of the advice above is a little over-enthusiastic. You have found one very expensive mouthpiece that seems to be an improvement on your B45. You are quite right to question whether there are other, cheaper mouthpieces that might be as good or better for you, before you rush out to spend $285.
But I think the first question to ask is, exactly which BN did you play? Pyne's website says:
"Please specify bore (Pk, Bc, Bn, ~M, or Jx) and facing (medium close, medium, or medium open)"
Get as much information as you can, and compare it with your current mouthpiece. If the measurements all seem very similar, then maybe the Pyne is really doing something magic. If on the other hand, there are big differences, then find out which Vandoren (or other inexpensive mouthpiece) is closest to the Pyne, and try that.
Bear in mind also that there are people who can copy mouthpieces. If you like this Pyne that much, you could have a copy made for a lot less than the price of a new one. Whether this would appeal rather depends on whether you think the material of a mouthpiece makes a difference.
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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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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2006-02-12 13:38
There are a number of fine players I know that have actually switched from Pyne to the Fobes which they now much prefer. Not being a Pyne player I can only pass on second hand info, but what I have heard is that Pynes played better with brands of reeds that are softer at the tip (such as the Olivieri).
There is always the possibility that your trusty 45 may only need tweaking by a reputable mouthpiece refacer. If you do not have one handy that can sit down with you for a while and try some adjustments then maybe you would be better off trying some new mouthpieces.
............Paul Aviles
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2006-02-12 17:21
I agree that you should save up for the Pyne if that's what your teacher recommended and you liked. You will be more satisfied with your tone and thus can focus on other things. The money seems like a lot right now, but if you use it for 10 or so years (some have used their same mouthpieces for 20 or more), you will be well served with the Pyne.
I also agree that it's probably time to move into the custom mouthpiece range and they're mostly pricey. Pyne is right in line with most of the good professionals.
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