 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bstutsman
Date: 2007-07-27 21:31
I recently started playing the clarinet again after a long layoff. I had a Buffet that Bernard Portnoy helped me pick out in 1967. To get re-started correctly, I bought a new R13 which I dearly love. However, as on my old horn, I am tending to play too sharply. I am playing on a Vandoren 5RV with Vandoren V12 3.5 reeds at the moment.
I am using the stock barrels, but am considering getting a Moening.
Is there a mouthpiece I can try to help lower my pitch and still go for the dark, symphonic, classical sound? Is it kosher to get a barrell that is a little longer? Will this mess up something else?
What do y'all think?
Post Edited (2007-08-07 13:06)
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2007-07-27 23:14
A Moennig barrel will "narrow" or lower your twelths: the pitch of your clarion register will more closely match the pitch of the chalumeau. You only need one if your clarion is MORE sharp than the corresponding notes of the chalumeau.
If the entire scope of your clarinet is sharp, then a longer barrel might be the solution (67 mm instead of 66mm).
The Vandoren 13 series mouthpieces are (as Melvin states) pitched for American standards, and this is also a solution you may consider.
For me personally, characteristics of sound are decided by me and not a single mouthpiece per se...
Are there teeth marks in your mouthpiece?
What are you doing with that 1967 horn? I have (in excellent condition) both a 2003 and a 1967...and there are many things about the '67 that are wonderful! I haven't decided which I prefer more...
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Bill
Date: 2007-07-31 11:08
I have an old Woodwind Co. mouthpiece I love but that is so low in pitch I almost cannot use it.
The mouthpiece experts here can say what lowers pitch, but I do know the clarinet itself changes throughout the seasons.
Vytas Krass will read this and correct me (!), but I find his "S" series ("symphonic") mouthpiece style is somewhat low in pitch compared to others. And they are very definition of "dark." The M13 Vandoren suggestion is also a very good one (though some experts feel the curve is too limited for fine playing).
A 1967 Buffet?! A desert island clarinet for many, many people, even this Selmer Paris guy.
Bill.
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: bstutsman
Date: 2007-08-07 13:05
Thanks for the tips. The 1967 horn was a good one in its time. Bernard Portnoy helped me pick it out. I don't know if it changed over the years or not. The clarion register on it is excellent. However, the chalumeau register is not as robust as on the new R13 and I also have an easier time with the altissimo on the new horn.
Of interest also is that the new horn feels "fatter" in my hands than the old one. Could it be that the keys are somehow enlarged? I wouldn't think that I would sense the silver plating on the new horn, but maybe that's it.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2007-08-07 13:18
Hello Bill,
As for the feeling fatter...you are dead on the money. I love playing my '67 and it feels "slimmer" in my hands. The thumb rest is also a fraction lower (and therefore worse) on the '67.
I also have the feeling that my '03 is more robust. I have not yet had the opportunity to compare with ears other than mine...there is a sweetness to the '67 that might compensate, might carry in the right places.
The pitch, and pitch variation (through dynamic change) is much better on the '67 though.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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