 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jack Stewart
Date: 2008-07-25 23:20
Hello everyone, and thanks in advance.
I'm 13 years old and live in Dallas, Texas. I've been playing Bb Clarinet for four years, Alto Eb Saxophone for two, and just started learning Piano and Acoustic Guitar. Clarinet is my main instrument and my normal practice times is two hours daily. I play on an old 1880's (around there) R13. I use 2 1/2 Vandoren Reeds. I played on a 5RV Lyre mouthpiece for awhile, but recently switched to an M13. I like it's tone and volume alot better. Something that's been bothering me though is that after the switch, I can't get Altissimo B and C (yes 'Double High') to sound. I know i'm not likely to ever need these in music but I'd like to be able to play them when I do a Chromatic Scale. (Right now I go up to Altissimo A.) Should I move up to strength 3 reeds? I suppose it could be that I'm just not completely used to the mouthpiece yet.
Also, what is the finger for Altissimo Bb? I think I get pretty close when I play Altissimo A and add the C#/G# pinky key and raise the pitch a bit. Is there anything better to use?
Thanks all,
Jack Stewart
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Author: hans
Date: 2008-07-26 00:14
Jack,
You should be able to find a fingering chart by using the search feature of this BB and checking "The Fingering Bulletin Board".
Hans
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Author: pewd
Date: 2008-07-26 02:40
yes, 2 1/2 is too soft for a M13 mouthpiece in most cases; especially after 4 years. you should be on a 3 or possibly a 3 1/2.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: mrn
Date: 2008-07-26 02:45
I'd give Vandoren 3's a try--they should make the high notes easier. Like you, I also started playing around age 9. I think I switched from 2.5's to 3's when I got to be about your age or maybe a little younger.
Incidentally at the time I played on a Gigliotti P34, which had a rather closed facing (more like an M13 than a 5RVL). In general, closed-faced mouthpieces take harder reeds.
Best of luck to you in your musical endeavors!
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Author: feadog79
Date: 2008-07-26 03:24
I second the suggestion of stepping up to some harder reeds. Also give Gonzalez FOF or Zonda reeds a shot. I've found them to be similar or better than good Vandoren reeds, but I seem to get more good ones in each box. Better cane, maybe...I don't know.
Keep practicing and good luck!
JW
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