 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: katie_netie
Date: 2007-05-31 17:07
Hi there.
I have an M13 Vandoren mouthpiece that I've had for about 3 and a half years and I'm considering upgrading to a custom mouthpiece of higher quality. What would be similar in facing, etc in the customs?
What would you recommend that is easily accessible. I want to be able to try them out and see what works for me, not just order an expensive mouthpiece over the internet because it has a good name.
Thanks so much for your comments and help.
Katie
Yamaha Custom SEV, Vandoren M13, Vandoren Optimum Ligature
Buffet E11 Eb Clarinet, Vandoren leather ligature and B44 mouthpiece
Going into second year university for music
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2007-05-31 17:15
I have also some good luck with the Vandoren M13 and M15 on Yamaha CSGs. As of this moment I am having a WONDERFUL time on a Greg Smith K A183. Greg is great about sending a bunch of mouthpieces and matching Chadash barrels upon the impending order of a mouthpiece. Just send all the ones that don't fit the bill back to Greg.
All the mouthpieces (about 13) that I had tried when I got my mouthpiece were wonderfully consistant and in some form or other a mouthpiece that I could have used.......just liked the one I picked best (it happens to be Cocobolo wood). At $250 US dollars they are not cheap but they are very much worth the time to check them out if you're in that price range.
...........Paul Aviles
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: rtmyth
Date: 2007-05-31 18:34
The M13 can be a fine mp, but like all other production makes and models, no two are alike, and some are of much higher manufacturng quality than others. Thus, if upgrading, and you already have a good one, it will probably require many trials, unless you go custom, but even then, trials are advised. My M13 was selected from a trial of 6. I do not even play one on trial if it does not first pass inspection for symmetry, rail widths, and precise facing. Maybe you already have what you want. Best.
richard smith
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: claritoot26
Date: 2007-05-31 20:30
Try the Gennussa Excellente by Ben Redwine. I used to play Vandoren M13 Lyre, and I find the Excellente similar in feel, but easier to control with more depth to the sound. As with any custom mouthpiece maker, it is best to work with them in person. He can hear you play different models and will know what to tweak on the mouthpiece to make your articulation, projection, etc. better.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2007-05-31 23:58
The Fobes CF+ might be a great choice. The facing may feel very similar to you. They are very comfortable to play, very reed friendly and an overall great mouthpiece. There are lots of fine mouthpieces out there, but I think that this should definitely be on your short list of things to consider. Good luck.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: edcabarga
Date: 2007-06-01 02:24
I'd consider trying other M13's. They are used by many top professionals. They sound decent and have great hold in the sound and are easy to play. I also like M14's and M15's as well. The key is you have to try as many as possible. Look for the ones with thin rails, they tend to have better response. If you go to a good music store you may be able to try 10, 20, even 30 at a time. You are bound to find one that is better than your current one. Also these can benefit greatly from minor adjustments but you have to find someone who knows what they are doing.
Good Luck.
Edward Cabarga
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
National Symphony Orchestra
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2007-06-01 03:41
I'd send the M13 to a mouthpiece refacer. If you already like it, they'll be able to tell you whether they can make it better or not.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Sylvain
Date: 2007-06-01 03:58
sfalexi wrote:
> I'd send the M13 to a mouthpiece refacer. If you already like
> it, they'll be able to tell you whether they can make it better
> or not.
>
or make you a new mouthpiece that feels just like yours...
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
Post Edited (2007-06-01 03:58)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: FredR
Date: 2007-06-01 04:18
I played a M13 for years and recently tried and purchased a Grabner "Chicago" I tried his K11 also both were excellent I thought the chicago gave a slighty darker sound
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: C2thew
Date: 2007-06-01 04:20
I'd send the M13 to a mouthpiece refacer. If you already like it, they'll be able to tell you whether they can make it better or not.
Second that.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: katie_netie
Date: 2007-06-01 14:28
How can you find a mouthpiece refacer?
How does that compare to getting a new M series or a custom one in terms of longevity and cost?
Katie
Yamaha Custom SEV, Vandoren M13, Vandoren Optimum Ligature
Buffet E11 Eb Clarinet, Vandoren leather ligature and B44 mouthpiece
Going into second year university for music
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: J. J.
Date: 2007-06-01 16:13
Did I miss something? She likes the current mouthpiece, it seems, so going through and trying a bunch of other M13s seems like the best course to me. Sending it to a mouthpiece refacer is only going to turn it into something different. Not better, but different. It may never play as well after they are done with it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2007-06-01 20:25
A mouthpiece refacer can work with the interior of the mouthpiece and therefore not change how the facing feels. So her embouchure won't have to get used to something "different", but the mouthpiece may be able to play with a bit more expression. That's assuming that the mouthpiece can be improved, which a mouthpiece refacer would be able to tell.
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: bufclar
Date: 2007-06-01 20:32
How does a mouthpiece "play with a bit more expression"??
I always assumed it was the player who was being expressive. I guess I need to go out and spend 500 or 650 dollars on a mouthpiece that will play with more expression.
If you like your M13 then keep it and practice. There is no need to spend a bunch of money on something"better". The player is better not the mouthpiece. If the M13 works for you then there is no reason to change it. If it squeaks, plays out of tune, articulates poorly then I can understand but if you want to change it simply because it was 60 something bucks and says Vandoren then you will be wasting your money and time.
Post Edited (2007-06-01 20:48)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2007-06-01 21:54
No need to spend such an amount of money to find a mouthpiece that allows you more expression. Sometimes all a good mouthpiece needs is little tweak.
As per a mouthpiece playing with more expression, I guess the term I should've used is "allows" you to play with more expression. Some mouthpieces are just too restrictive on tonal colors and dynamics. Others allow a broader range. So of course the mouthpiece doesn't play better, but it allows YOU to choose from a wider variety of sounds which you can use.
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: pzen
Date: 2007-06-02 04:18
M30 is nice and open, maybe to easy to play. I have been playing for several years (adult student) and went to an M30 from an M13. I like it a lot but I am using fairly soft reeds (3 1/2 steuer) My teacher tried mine for a week. Took it to symphony and now has all his more advanced HS students switching.
Most shops will send you 3 mouthpieces at a time, WWBW does at least. There is a small restocking feed if you don't like the mouthpieces.
Peace, love and understanding
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: katie_netie
Date: 2007-06-02 18:35
Hm. I think I find that sometimes the mouthpiece sounds muddier than it used to. At least in articulation. I know that I've gotten better at articulating clearly but it doesn't come across in my sound.
I'm slightly confused by this refacing. To be honest I've never heard of it and I have no idea who I would go to to do such a job.
Thanks for the great suggestions.
Katie
Yamaha Custom SEV, Vandoren M13, Vandoren Optimum Ligature
Buffet E11 Eb Clarinet, Vandoren leather ligature and B44 mouthpiece
Going into second year university for music
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2007-06-02 18:46
Reputable refacers by what's been said on this board (*s are ones that I've dealt with myself either refacing or buying a hand-faced mouthpiece by them - or sometimes 2!)
Chris Hill
David Spiegalthal*
Greg Smith*(not sure if he 'refaces' but you can ask)
Tom Ridenour*
Walter Grabner*
Clark Fobes (I think he refaces)
Richard Hawkins*
Brad Behn
That's all I can think of right now. Kinda tired . . .
Alexi
PS - Wow. When I look back, I have spent a LOT of money on mouthpieces in the short time that I've gotten back into playing after high school . . . . Sheesh.
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: cpark
Date: 2007-06-02 18:49
Chances are it's just getting old, facings can warp over time.
At $70 a mp....just buy a new one. Try a ton, you'll find one that's similar and better. Keep your old one as a backup.
Of you get it refaced it will not play the same, could be better could be worse. If you do get minimal work done, possibly just polish the facing to eliminate warpage.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: katie_netie
Date: 2007-07-26 16:03
Ok. So I'm definitely trying to learn.
A thin rail means more response?
I find that articulation is quite muddy on my M13 and that the sound at times is quite unfocussed... I know that my technique could have some part in that, but I feel that the sound quality is deteriorating.
I think that, when I have learned enough, a new mouthpiece will be the solution. I will, if it is needed, be willing to pay for the custom ones but don't want to pay more than I need to. I am, afterall, a student.
Katie
Yamaha Custom SEV, Vandoren M13, Vandoren Optimum Ligature
Buffet E11 Eb Clarinet, Vandoren leather ligature and B44 mouthpiece
Going into second year university for music
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: claritoot26
Date: 2007-07-26 21:20
Thin tip rail on the mouthpiece gives a quicker response for articulation. Compare your tip rail to other M13's. If it's a little thick, thinning the tip of the reed can help with the response. I don't know what kind of reeds you're using. I think the regular M13 works well with about a 4 V12 or traditional cut Vandoren. Some use 3.5, I think Burt Hara does.
You can get a mouthpiece person to thin the tip rail, or go ahead and buy a new one with a thinner rail. If the rail is thinned too much, the sound will be too bright. You might be able to remedy this by using a reed with a thicker tip (higher strength). Try a bunch, like everybody says. You may even want both. In case the reeds feel soft on the thin-railed mouthpiece, you can switch to the other one. Best of luck.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2007-07-27 02:07
Katie --
I want to second Paul Aviles' suggestion that you consider Greg Smith (who advertises on this board) as a source for your new mouthpiece.
He is a professional in every sense of the word, welcomes your calls, returns his messages, will work with you to figure out which mouthpiece you want, will not make you feel stupid, and, if your experience is the same as ours, you will end up with a mouthpiece that will make an instantaneous and lasting difference in your intonation and tone quality.
Minimum hassle for maximum mouthpiece.
Susan
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: C2thew
Date: 2007-07-27 03:14
Vandoren M 15's are relatively similar to a Chadash Hill mouthpiece. or maybe mine was refaced. not sure. hope that helps
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
