 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Cindyr
Date: 2007-03-13 13:17
I first want to say that I've found this bb to be a great resource. When I suddenly sold my Bundy, I was able to research options for a new clarinet purchase easily. I ended up taking what I think was some good advice: I purchased a well-cared for one owner Selmer Series 9, from 1982. I immediately had it overhauled and played it in my community concert band for the first time last week.
Last night, the man next to me said that I was playing flat. He (we are the two 3rd clarinets) also has a Selmer Series 9. He raised his barrell after our conductor had us all play the Concert C scale.
My mouthpiece is a Vandoren B45, and I must admit that I'm using Rico 2 reeds, which I want to change, because they're not great on the high notes. I also have Vandoren 2 1/2 reeds, but can't yet play 2 hours with them. I know from previous posts these are really 2 steps up from the Rico 2's. Question: would there be another mouthpiece/reed combination that may help me play in tune? I'd like to try it before assuming I need to purchase another barrell, thanks.
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Author: rcnelson
Date: 2007-03-13 14:51
I am primarily a saxophone player (both alto and tenor) so I have a embouchure issue to deal with. I use a B45 on a Bundy when I play community theater pits and other things, but I use a Vandoren blue box 3-1/2 reed on it. The stiffer reed helps with the flatness issue, at least for me.
It does require time in your practice room to get it under control, but once you do, it's a big help.
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2007-03-13 15:59
Harder reeds will generally raise the pitch slightly. A firmer embouchre also raises the pitch.
Get a tuner and check the pitch tendencies of the clarinet. If you are only slightly flat, try a firmer embouchre,and harder reeds if they don't make you play stuffy. If you still are flat after trying the above, get a shorter barrel.
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2007-03-13 16:09
How long have you been playing? Rico 2 is quite a soft reed - unless you're aiming for a particular style it might be worth aiming for a harder grade. Try some Vandoren 2's. Vandoren are harder work but I think they build character ;-D. Try buying a few and playing the soft ones in rehearsals and the hard ones in the privacy of your own home until they're broken in (or confirmed duds)
But B45 might not be the right thing. You could try some alternatives. Vandoren 5RV, for example, will be significantly different (the reeds will feel slightly softer, for starters) and might be more up your street. Or there's a number of other less expensive options.
No need to get a short barrel until you've exhausted everything else.
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Author: Cindyr
Date: 2007-03-13 16:30
Thanks for all of the suggestions. I will get some Vandoren 2's and see how they work. I can handle the 2 1/2's for about 30 minutes, so the 2's should be fine. I do have a guitar tunner, assume this is ok to use? I'll try the 5RV as a next step, if needed.
I've been playing again, after about a 30 year absense, for about 15 months, having joined a community band 6 months ago. So glad I picked up my old Pedler one day, it got me started again!
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Author: ww.player
Date: 2007-03-13 18:09
Hi. I agree with Bassie. The B45 is a large chamber mouthpiece and will tend to play a little flatter than many others. I have found that, on clarinet, smaller chamber mouthpieces work better on larger bore horns like your Selmer. The smaller chamber really helps focus the sound, gets much more resonance, and makes tuning a lot easier on larger bores. I prefer the 5RV lyre to the 5RV, but there's not a huge difference. I would highly recommend trying both. I think you'll be happy with the results.
BTW, you will generally need to go up a reed strength when switching from a B45 to a 5RV.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-03-13 18:22
I used to use a 5RV Lyre on my Series 9 with standard Vandoren 2.5 reeds on a 67mm and 68mm barrel, and I was playing sharp on that - I could easily play up to 443Hz (as is the pitch of the playalong CD with the Schumann 'Fantasiestueke').
Now I've got a Vandoren M15 "13" series I have to work harder to keep the pitch up, but I shortened the tenon and shoulder of the mouthpiece rather than shortening any barrels as Series 9 barrels are hard to come by in 67mm and 68mm lengths.
So definitely try a 5RV Lyre with a standard or V12 Vandoren 2 reed to see how you get on with the tuning. You'll find the top and altissimo notes much easier to play and staccato tongue with a 5RV Lyre.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Cindyr
Date: 2007-03-13 18:42
Thanks so much. My clarinet didn't come with a mouthpiece, so I simply purchased a V-45, not realizing that it being a large bore instrument this would make a difference. Yet another thing to understand. Everyone here is so helpful, what a great resource!
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