 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sinkdraiN
Date: 2007-04-10 02:39
My two favorite mouthpieces is an "A" and a "B."
Both mouthpieces are popular name mouthpieces and are geared towards classical playing. I play in both classical and jazz situations.
"A" can be played louder and is pitched such that makes it easy to play in tune even when it's a little on the cold side. Nice in doubling situations. My (excellent) instructor finds my tone to be too unfocused for his tastes when I'm on this mouthpiece. It's a slightly tougher mouthpiece to play. I like it, though...at least I think I do. He prefers me playing "B" which he also plays.
"B" is softer and is slightly lower in pitch...at least on my instrument. After it warms up fully it's perfectly at A=440 but will not go any higher. In the winter it's dreadfully flat until it fully warms up then it's fine. It has a smoother, darker, focused tone and is a breeze to play. It's hard to sound bad on this mouthpiece.
I feel it is worthwhile to practice and take lessons with "B" as it is helping me play "A" better. I seem to be able to focus "A" better after working with mouthpiece "B." By myself I like "B" but in a group I prefer "A" because it has a larger dynamic range and I have more room with the pitch.
What would you do in this situation?
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Author: Koo Young Chung
Date: 2007-04-10 02:52
You answered your own question already,but I think you'll be looking for another mp which is better than A or B.
Post Edited (2007-04-10 02:54)
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2007-04-10 13:44
Well .. buy A for doubling and B for symphony / orchestra ?
I do jazz (normally less focused) and symphony/orchestra and I use different mpcs - basically the same differences you have mentioned).
Does your instructor know that you double? Does s/he double? play any jazz? and know of your situation completely?
There's nothing wrong with liking one mpc for a particular situation and another for another situation.
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Author: William
Date: 2007-04-10 19:31
I would play "A". Sound quality is secondary to flexability in tuning and simply being heard in soloistic passages--especially if the brass tend to overplay (and when don't they??). Also, more dynamic flexability is desirable for better musical expression.
However, I would also be looking for a better mpc than either A or B.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-04-10 19:59
" "B" is softer and is slightly lower in pitch...at least on my instrument. After it warms up fully it's perfectly at A=440 but will not go any higher. In the winter it's dreadfully flat until it fully warms up then it's fine. It has a smoother, darker, focused tone and is a breeze to play. It's hard to sound bad on this mouthpiece."
Sounds like my M15!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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