 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ryan K
Date: 2007-08-12 15:40
I'm having a problem switching back and forth between my Buffet B-12 for marching band, and my Buffet R-13 for everything else.
Each time I switch back and forth, it takes me quite a bit of time to adjust to the differences in the horn, and during the school year when I don't have hours upon hours to practice in, I find myself sounding bad for half a marching rehearsal, or an entire band class.
If anyone has any tips on adjusting between these two clarinets, it would be greatly appreciated.
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Author: Dano
Date: 2007-08-12 17:43
What is it that makes one so different from the other?
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-08-12 17:46
Dano wrote:
> What is it that makes one so different from the other?
The other has no mouthpiece. <giggle>
Ahrm. Sorry, couldn't resist.
I switch between clarinets too, but it shouldn't be more than an evening's worth of noodling to get accustomed to the other instrument. And I consider myself a rookie.
--
Ben
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Author: Clariphant in Bb
Date: 2007-08-12 18:06
I have the same problem. I'm using a Fobes debut on the marching B12 and a Fobes Cicero 14 on the R13. It made them feel a little more similar, but, regardless, the B12 sounds noticeably worse. I don't think it's a problem adjusting to the B12 though. I think it just plain sounds worse than the R13, and being outside (and using a lesser mouthpiece) magnifies the problem. Frankly, I don't care how I sound in marching band, though. Are you actually having trouble switching back to the R13? Or is it only a one-way problem? I know that some flute players who play piccolo for marching band will never go to bed after a rehearsal without playing their flutes for a couple minutes to "reset" their embouchure. Maybe you could try something similar.
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Author: D
Date: 2007-08-12 20:23
I think it is a practice thing. when you play at home have them both out and swap over every 10 minutes. I play lots and lots of different instruments and apart from the occasional blank where I utterly forget the fingering or try playing alto recorder fingering on the flute or some other daft thing then it is fine. two Bb clarinets will be a bit odd, and one will sound better, but to you just have to ignore that and persevere. Endless scales and arpeggios.The thing I find hardest is that although my A and my good Bb are happy with the same mouthpiece and reed, my back up Bb which is the one that gets slung in the back of the car when I suspect I will be playing flute and sax as well during a jamming session, doesn't work with that mouthpiece. so the hardest thing for me is keeping two sets of reeds worked up so there is always something working for both. Reserve mouthpiece a 5RV doesn't like the same reeds as the main mouthpieces which are B40s. The B40s are interesting. both have the same sound but different cork thicknesses because the top of the barrels of the Bb and A that I have a different sizes. However, they both work on both clarinets. Anyway, just keep trying. If playing these things was easy any idiot could do it,...not just the special ones.........
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Author: pdkbach
Date: 2007-08-13 02:09
Are you using the same reed with both mouthpieces?? Your 'good' reed on one mouthpiece may not be the same good reed for the other. Find the right mouthpiece/reed combination so that both clarinets 'feel' and respond similarly.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2007-08-13 16:18
Don't worry about how you sound in marching band. Clarinets are inaudible on the field. When I was in the West Point Band, I went to a couple of parades on days I wasn't marching, and despite a bunch of professional clarinet players, I heard only brass and drums.
For marching, everybody used a plastic Bundy with a Goldentone plastic mouthpiece and brown-box Rico reeds. As you get better, the switch will get easier.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Ryan K
Date: 2007-08-13 16:37
I'm using the same mouthpiece (Selmer C*), ligature (Vandoren Optimum), and reeds (Vandoren V56 3's) for my B12 as well as my R13.
I would agree with the clarinets never get heard, but the show we're playing has a lot of clarinet features, and our brass is kind of terrible so they don't blaze over the rest of the band as they should.
My problem comes from going back to the R13 from the B12. The bore is smaller, so it takes more focused air. Going from the R13 to the B12, I generally over blow.
I guess I'll just have to spend more time warming up before rehearsals, that generally helps me adjust.
Thanks,
Ryan K
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2007-08-13 17:35
When I was back home, and when I return again, I play one clarinet for scales and the other for practicing pieces. Unless I know there's going to be a rehearsal that day, in which case my IP (another good 'ol military acronym for 'individual practice') is with the A clarinet because I'm going to be using the Bb for rehearsal. And eventually you'll get comfortable with both and be able to make the switch without a problem.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2007-08-13 17:35
Ryan, just do what I do during marching band.
I play a Selmer 1400 for marching band with the same setup I use on my other clarinet. The 1400 is probably as big of a bore as you can get commercially now. Just play all of your music on the B12. Play in class with the B12, sectionals with the B12, etc. Keep your R13 at home. I keep my good clarinet at home and only touch it whenever I need too. Personally right now I'm liking the key action on the 1400, it feels lighter. I assume its because of the nickel plated keys and the springs are set lighter. Just play your B12 until marching band is over and/or until you have to start practicing for auditions.
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