 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Tim Wilson
Date: 2000-06-14 03:57
Can anyone help me find my way through the maze of clarinet mouthpiece retailers?. I'm looking for a good reliable source of mouthpieces where one can choose from many brands at reasonable prices. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!!!!
- Tim Wilson
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Author: Mike M
Date: 2000-06-14 05:08
The Woodwind and Brasswind store (wwandbw.com) in Elkhart Indiana has a very large selection and will allow you to try several (I think 3 at a time through mail-order). I tried six different bass clarinet mouthpieces from them before deciding on one. Their web site doesn't show many models, but their printed catalog has loads!
Also, most of the custom makers like Gregory Smith, Borbeck, Gennusa, and many other have similar evaluation policies.
My experience has been that most typical or even good music stores here in the States only carry mass-produced mouthpieces like Vandoran, Selmer, Yamaha, etc. Depending on what your looking for, it may be worth trying a custom maker. They should give you a lot of personal attention.
Another option may be to contact some distributors and find out what music stores in your area sell the most of their line (e.g. D'Addario & Company, Inc. distribute Vandoren in North America). Chances are the store that sells the most will carry the most complete inventory.
Happy Hunting
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Author: Mark Charette, Webmaster
Date: 2000-06-14 11:57
Check in the Resources/Retail section here on Sneezy where you'll find most of the major music retailers. See if any are close to you - I think all of them have try-out rooms.
If they aren't close to you then you're going to have to do what Mike suggests - order a few at a time via credit card.
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Author: bill
Date: 2000-06-14 23:15
I use a Gregory Smith (facing 1) mouthpiece and it is great! Since they are hand-made, each one varies a little. I tried several of them before I found one I really liked. Oh - I also like JD Hite mouthpieces (Model D) but not as well as the Gregory Smith. Hope you find a good mouthpiece!
~bill
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Author: Alec Thigpen
Date: 2000-06-15 04:37
I called Charles Bay, and he sent me 13 mouthpieces, I think, and 3 barrels, a ligature, and 8 reeds, plus an engraved mouthpiece cap for my patience. He was a long time getting to it, but he has sold 4 already out of that shipment, and several people here are still awaiting a trial of the remaining. Interestingly, no one fought over one style or facing. They all liked a different one, and no one likes the one I prefer. I have a Gregory Smith and a Morgan, and like both of them for different reasons. The Smith is more critical of the reed, where the Bays and Morgan are less finicky. The common praise among everyone is the full sound with great control in the upper registers.
I really only requested three on a trial basis, but he just couldn't let me limit myself. His enthusiasm was quite enjoyable. I also have a Bay MO-M on my Bass Clarinet and am most pleased with it as well. I prefer the MO-L H1M or H2M on the soprano, however.
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Author: larry
Date: 2000-06-15 15:45
Vandoren has (or had) a studio in New York (250 W. 54 Street) where one can try all their products (mouthpieces and reeds). They don't sell them there, but they help you locate a nearby retailer once you make your final selection (I think you can pay them and then pick it up at whatever store). You should check Vandoren's website and maybe send them an email to see if the studio is still open and when.
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Author: Alec Thigpen
Date: 2000-06-15 22:16
I would like to clarify my previous post concerning the Bay versus Smith and Morgan mouthpieces. I consider all three to be premium products. When I am in shape, the Gregory Smith mouthpiece has the most refined and centered tone, but I am sometimes not in my best form, so I need a mouthpiece that lets me get away with a little slack. The Morgan is the lazy man's mouthpiece, so free and easy, but I don't get the same compliments on my playing that I get with the Smith. The Bay is a bit more resistant than the Morgan, and I get a big sound, but the Smith with a good reed is the very best tone, and other players let me know that. Gregory Smith will be the most prompt (by far) in delivering product, and all three individuals are quite pleasant to deal with. Charles Bay took a year and a half to get me the order.
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