 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2009-01-10 18:29
I'm a beginner-to-intermediate player. I play on a 5RV-L, and also on a Fobes Debut. I think I may be ready for a change in mouthpieces.
I have narrowed my search for a new mouthpiece to Vandorens M13, M13L, M15 and M30. I have never played any of these, but I have done much research (mainly from this forum's archieves), and the above mps would be hard to beat for the money I think (around $82 each).
Anyhow, since there are no local stores in my area that I know of within a 75 mile radius that will allow me to play a mouthpiece without purchasing it, what do you think about me just ordering online one each of the four above mps, keeping the one I like, and sending back the others. There's a small fee ($5 per mp) for each sent back, plus postage, but at least I would have the best of the four. I believe it just a little much to order two of each of the above, so I would be taking a bit of a chance that I'd get a good one, but I believe that to be a chance worth taking given the circumstances.
Do you agree this is a good strategy? If not, please advise.
CarlT
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-01-10 18:41
Carl, are you taking lessons at all? If so , I think it would make more sense to have your instructor guide you to mouthpiece selection. If you aren't currently taking lessons. signing up for a few might be a good idea. HTis way, the instructor can get to know you better and make sounder redcommendations about mouthpieces.
I know what has worked for me in the past, but I feel hesitant to make recommendations of specific gear to you, as I have never seen or heard you play, and also have no idea why you feel the two pieces you currently use are not suited for you.
My daughter uses one of the pieces you are considering, but she went through a number of different mouthpieces her teacher had for her to try before they agreed on the one she is currently using. It took several weeks of lessons to find the right one, and he is an expert at this.
Jeff
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2009-01-10 19:21
Thanks, Jeff. I totally agree with your advice on allowing my teacher to help me select "the" right mp; however, I have extinuating circumstances.
I am taking bi-monthly lessons. My teacher is a retired college music director. I am her only student, and she ordinarily does not teach clarinet. I was having to drive 55 miles round trip to the nearest larger town for lessons, so I gave up on that after the gas prices rose so much.
Anyway, this lady was the only one in our small town that I could find that came even close to being able to give lessons, so I asked her if she'd take me own. She was a bit reluctant, but I've found her to be a very good clarinet player and teacher for the most part.
I have played the few mouthpieces that both instructors had on hand, and none were suited to me. Actually, both teachers are fine with their own mouthpieces, but seem to know very little about the world of other mouthpieces out there, so I am, more or less, on my own when it comes to equipment.
As an example of ineptitude, My first teacher told me that I needed to buy (for $650) an old Selmer Signet Special clarinet, and I took his advice, only to find out that the going price for these clarinets is about $300, or less. Luckily, even being somewhat naive on the subject, I did not pay the full $650 as he recommended. My point is that living in a small town in TN, I am pretty much on my own when it comes to decision making regarding the clarinet. If it were not for this BB, I would've made even more bone-head decisions I'm afraid.
At any rate, if I don't like any of the four MPs described in my first post above, then I'll just send them all back and be out $20 plus postage and continue to play my 5RVL and the Fobes Debut. I am having very little trouble with these until I get to the highest clarion notes (haven't tried altissimo register too much yet).
CarlT
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2009-01-10 20:23
I don't think going from a 5RVL to another Vandoren mouthpiece is going to be a significant improvement (unless your 5RVL is very worn).
Here is an article on selecting mouthpieces:
http://www.behnmouthpieces.com/selectingmouthpiece.html
When I did a mouthpiece trial, I ordered from weinermusic. They have the most inexpensive Vandoren mouthpieces and have a very good trial policy. (I actually think they may have calculated the restocking fees wrong and gave me a very slight lower price than what it should have been)
I play a Vandoren M30 and really like it. I've also tried a 5RVL which I thought was a little worse than the M30 (I think this was because of my reeds).
There's always an option of refacing your mouthpiece, which can improve what you already have.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2009-01-10 23:00
You don't say why you think you are "ready for a change" from the 5RV Lyre. The differences among 5RV-L, M13, M13-L and M15 are mostly (probably entirely, but I don't know for a fact that different blanks aren't used) in the curve and tip opening of the facings. The M30 has a considerably different facing from the others, but is probably also made from the same blank. You may well find one or the other more comfortable to play on, but none is a "step up" from the 5RV-L you already have.
When you say you are "ready for a change," does that mean you just have a wanderlust to try something a little different (I've certainly been there and have a drawer full of mouthpieces to prove it), or is there a problem with the 5RV-L you're trying to solve?
Karl
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2009-01-10 23:48
<When I did a mouthpiece trial, I ordered from weinermusic.>
Thanks, I will check this source out before buy.
<I play a Vandoren M30 and really like it. I've also tried a 5RVL which I thought was a little worse than the M30.>
Well, I don't expect a ton of improvement, but if I can just eke out a tiny bit, to me, it'd be worth the money.
<You don't say why you think you are "ready for a change" from the 5RV Lyre.>
Two reasons. 1) and this one is, by far, my biggest reason: I want to see if I can blow the highest clarion notes (Bb, B and C) a bit easier and with better sound, and 2) I probably, like many of the BB members, am sliding down a slippery slope and may end up with a drawer full of MPs before too many years have passed.
<...you just have a wanderlust to try something a little different.>
Yeah, you're right. See reason for changing 2) above.
CarlT
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2009-01-11 00:36
Just a note, when you try out the mouthpieces, harder reeds may be needed for the M13, M13L, and M15. These mouthpieces have a lot more closed tip opening and a longer facing curve.
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2009-01-11 01:21
cxgreen48 wrote: "These mouthpieces have a lot more closed tip opening and a longer facing curve."
Yes, I am aware of this. In fact, I had done some research, and here are the findings (sorry that I don't have exact facing lengths...just what was on Vandoren's Bb Mouthpiece chart).
5RV Lyre: Opening = 1.09 mm; Facing = Medium
M13: Opening =1.005 mm; Facing = Long
M13 Lyre: Opening = 1.005 mm; Facing = Medium Long
M15: Opening = 1.035 mm; Facing = Long
M30: Opeining = 1.15 mm; Facing = Long
So, yes, I may move up from my now size 2-1/2 VD traditional reeds to a no. 3; however, that is NOT one of my goals. If it happens, it happens.
I seriously doubt if I will go with an M30, but I want to try it out anyway, along with the, hopefully, other, possibly easier blowing MPs.
CarlT
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Author: Ed
Date: 2009-01-11 01:27
It is certainly a good strategy to try a few. Change mouthpieces if you find something that you cannot get from the old one.
I have had great success in dealing with muncywinds.com they are terrific to work with. At around the price you mention, you might also consider the Fobes Nova which is very good.
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2009-01-11 05:31
Here's an easier/cheaper possible solution: See if the VD reeds at strength #3 are suited to your current mp. As your embouchure develops, that can sometimes do the trick. VD 2.5 seems a little soft for the 5RVL...
If after a few weeks/months of trying harder reeds, that you find yourself in the same boat you are in now, then start trying new mps.
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2009-01-11 12:51
Katrina, I do have some VD #3's that I periodically try on the 5RVL. My weak embouchure won't permit me to last very long at all on them, so I go back to my 2-1/2's.
I also try the 3's on my Fobes Debut with pretty much the same results. I will admit the sound seems better on the 3's, but to a great sacrifice in my practice time. The emb. is getting stronger though, so I'm hoping it's just a matter of time before being able to handle 3's.
My theory is if I can get #2-1/2's (or possibly even #3's) to play the higher clarion notes easier with better sound on a new MP, it's worth it.
So, I think I'll splurge and try out/buy one of the above MPs. It's a bit analogous to buying a computer...wait awhile and the price goes down (in this case, wait and the emb. improves), but at what point do you give in and go for it? In 1983 I paid $1,000 for a 64k Apple computer...well, we older folks all know that story.
CarlT
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2009-01-11 22:51
Hmmm....Another strategy for increasing reed strength, with the outcome of strengthening your embouchure is to play on a 3 every practice session, but only for a short time. You'll probably be able to play longer after playing more consistently on them.
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Author: timg
Date: 2009-01-12 22:05
Beginner here, so I can't help with mouthpiece selection. But I do know from my short experience that the upper clarion notes are much more awkward than the rest of the register. It was months before I could neatly and reliably hit 'A', and I still have trouble with a rapid 'C#' to 'C'. Just a friendly warning that a new mouthpiece mightn't solve that particular problem.
On the other hand, I'd love to hear your impressions of a range of different mouthpieces, as a beginner/intermediate player.
-Tim (with an M30)
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Author: clariknight
Date: 2009-01-13 00:11
When I stepped up from a 5RV L I was looking for something with a slightly darker sound, as well as one that would allow me to use stronger reeds. (I was on the verge between VD trad. 3's and V12 3.5's and was getting rather frustrated). I tried out the M13 L and it did indeed aid my upper clarion and altissimo registers, but it was lacking in any characteristics of what I like in a clarinet sound. Of course that is only a personal opinion, and we are all very different. I would, however, recommend looking outside of Vandorens. They are excellent mouthpieces but there are so many other excellent ones out there its insane not to at least try them. The one I settled on is a Gigliotti (P34 facing). Other ones to check out are Clark Fobes pro models (especially if you already like your debut). I had excellent success with WWBW's trial.
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