 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Curinfinwe
Date: 2008-10-30 21:38
So, I've been playing on an old hard rubber Sumner Acousticut 3 for the entire time I've played the clarinet; all of six years. And while I get (to my ears, anyway) great tone quality, I can't help but wondering if I've been playing on an inferior mouthpiece. I can't find any information about it, either. Is it a good quality mouthpiece, or would I be better off getting something else?
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2008-10-31 00:01
Forget everything you may have read about brand, model, material, facing, etc. The bottom line is, if it plays well for YOU, then it's a good mouthpiece for YOU.
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2008-10-31 00:27
David Spiegelthal makes a good point.
I might add: If you're going to consider a new mouthpiece, have a good reason for doing so and be sure you do some research. A blanket request for recommendations probably won't yield much, except more questions to you about how you play, what you play, if you continue to take instruction, reed strength, the sound you like, etc.
Perhaps my experience will be useful. Years ago--about 30--when I tried (unsuccessfully) to start lessons again and really learn how to play, my teacher explained that the mouthpiece I had (a student mouthpiece that came with a used Vito) was substandard and that I needed something that worked better.
He arranged for me to buy a Blayman (H) mouthpiece. I don't recall how he hit upon that particular mouthpiece, nor did I understand how important the mouthpiece is to sound production. And he never explained that. A year later, pressed for time and feeling frustrated with my playing, I gave up.
I still had that mouthpiece when I began to take lessons again, more than a year ago. After about six weeks, I found that the clarion A, B and C were difficult to sound reliably and that my playing seemed inconsistent, to say the least. My new teacher measured the facing, we talked a bit and I sent away for and tried out several Vandoren mouthpieces. Then we play-tested them together and agreed that the M13 Lyre...with a closer facing than the Blayman...worked beautifully. I've been playing with the Vandoren mouthpiece ever since with success and ease. Any problems that exist have to do with me, not the mouthpiece.
In reading the bulletin board regularly, I've become interested in trying some mouthpieces by Gregory Smith or Clark Fobes, or Brad Behn or Walter Grabner. There are some terrific craftsmen out there. The Gear Acquisition Syndrome has me tightly in its grasp. But I know that, for now, there's no reason to switch.
If and when I do, though, I'll know why I want to or need to and I'll be armed with a good deal more information about what to look for. My teacher's good guidance will be particularly helpful.
Post Edited (2008-10-31 01:42)
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Author: clariknight
Date: 2008-11-01 03:22
It may be that you're mouthpiece works perfectly for you. But you do raise an excellent point: if you haven't tried other models, how do you know you are sounding your best? If you want to play stronger reeds, look for a closer facing (vice versa for softer reeds - this is generally a good starting point) and select a list of 4 or 5 that seem interesting to you. Order them or go to a shop where you can play test them, and if you don't like any of them make a new list. Find one that you really feel is worth getting, and if you can't after 10 mouthpieces, you're probably on the right one already with your Sumner.
Note: Some I recommend from having recently purchased a new mouthpiece myself: The Anthony Gigliotti. It's an excellently well crafted mpc. (and the one I chose). I got the P34 (close/short) facing for stronger reeds. It gives me a dark tone that can still carry well. Anything from the Vandoren line. These are all good mouthpieces for the advancing student. M15/M13 lyre for stronger reeds, 5RV lyre, M30, so on for softer reeds. Clark W. Fobes: I tried the "Cicero series," far too bright for me. Haven't tried the San Francisco yet, could be much more focused.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-11-01 13:23
It's always a good idea to have someone else listenoing in when you audition mouthpieces, as the sound you hear is not what others will hear. If you can get he advice of a good instructor, this is the best way to go, and worth a few dollars well spent.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2008-11-01 14:51
Weberfan wrote: "I found that the clarion A, B and C were difficult to sound reliably and that my playing seemed inconsistent, to say the least."
That is precisely a problem that I am having, too. Although I'm beginning to "get it", I still have not perfected these notes.
Mr. Strum, since you have apparently solved this problem, would you please send me a personal email me so that I might discuss this problem a bit more with you without wasting other members' time?
CarlT
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