 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarinet Geek
Date: 2006-09-12 14:48
Hello!!
I picked up the clarinet in the Summer of 2005 after not playing for about 15 years. I play a Buffet E11 (manufactured 1995 or 1996), with a Vandoren 5RV mouthpiece. When I played in the Summer of 2005, just practicing by myself, I was always flat (tuning to A440).
This past Spring, I joined a local community church orchestra. I'm still flat. I take lessons, and my teacher says that my embashure is Okay. I've been using Vandoren V12 (3.5) and I've also started using the Vandoren 56 Rue Lepic (3.5). This seems to have helped a bit.
I'm still flat, though. My question: I've been looking at a new mouthpiece: the Vandoren 5RV 13 series (tuned to A440 pitch, for the American player--the advertisement says). I know that the E11 is tuned to A442. Do you think it would help to have a mouthpiece tuned to A440? I suppose I just have to try it. Has anybody here tried the 5RV 13 Series?
Thanks,
Ann
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Author: connie
Date: 2006-09-12 15:17
You might consider getting a shorter barrel, as an alternative fix. I don't see how a mouthpiece at A=440 is going to bring the pitch of clarinet tuned to 442 UP any. But I'm sure someone else will address that question.
If the 13 series is tuned to A=440, what are the non-13's tuned to?
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Author: Clarinet Geek
Date: 2006-09-12 15:22
I would guess the non-13's are tuned to A-442, but I'm really not sure. Are most made for the European market, and therefore tuned to A442?
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-09-12 15:53
You've gotta try the -13 and the regular mouthpieces on your horn, in your mouth with your reed, and your tuner. Order a couple of trial pieces in both configurations and pick the most friendly mouthpiece.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Merlin
Date: 2006-09-12 16:20
The 13 series is supposed to LOWER your pitch. You're already flat, so it'll be worse.
Assuming you're voicing correctly, a shorter barrel would seem to be the best remedy.
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2006-09-12 16:24
> **** I play a Buffet E11 (manufactured 1995 or 1996), with a Vandoren 5RV mouthpiece. **** <
If you had "OK" embouchure this set-up would play SHARP.
You're right E11 is tuned to 442HZ spec., and if you play FLAT with it the Vandoren 5RV-13 will make you play even flatter than before. I think the problem for playing flat is you and not your instrument at all.
Vytas Krass
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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Author: BelgianClarinet
Date: 2006-09-12 17:07
The 13 series IS LOWERING your pîtch, I can testify. Since I play a B40-13 I have less trouble getting the pitch right (lower)
I don't know if the 'normal' series will bring your pitch up, but is seems to be worth the try.
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Author: Clarinet Geek
Date: 2006-09-12 18:05
Thanks for all this. Now that I see it written, it makes more sense: a 440 mouthpiece would lower the pitch even more. I might try a shorter barrel, and ask my teacher again about my embouchure.
Thankfully, I am blessed to live within an hour's drive of WWBW in South Bend, IN. I'll spend some time there trying out different mouthpieces and barrels.
Ann
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