Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2007-06-09 04:26
Congratulations, Bill. According to the Buffet website, your clarinet was made in 1960. That's consistent with my memory that the D-series started in 1960. I think you will do yourself a favor if you to stick to basics with the mouthpiece and ligature for the time being. My recommendation would be a Fobes Debut mouthpiece and a Luyben ligature. Together, they should cost you less than $50 and should be fine for you to get started. Later, once you've established a frame of reference, you can always upgrade -- but they'll take you alot further than my Linton oboe took me. 
Vandoren reeds are fine. Since you've played clarinet before and have been playing oboe, if you get a Fobes Debut (or something similar) I would recommend starting out with some #3's if you are using the "regular" (blue box) Vandorens. If #3's seem a bit too resistant, put them aside and drop back 1/2 strength for awhile. If they seem too light, move up a 1/2 strength. I suspect that after your embouchure stabilizes, you'll probably settle on a 3.5's or their equivalent. IMO, while you are starting out, Rico Royals will also work fine (at lower cost).
I wish you faster progress on the clarinet than I've had on the oboe. Mostly, I think that clarinet fingerings make more sense. (Actually, I wasn't doing too badly on oboe until I hit the key of Ab.)
Best regards,
jnk
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The Clarinet BBoard
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