 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: willow129
Date: 2009-03-10 22:17
Hello!
I'm currently shopping for a new mouthpiece - I'm looking for something for playing folk music - and there aren't a whole lot of "folk clarinetists" to talk to here haha. I don't really play jazz, but I think a more jazzy mouthpiece will work better than what I've been using
I'm curious about Vandoren 5JB (I think that's what they're called)
and at the moment I have 3 mouthpieces that I'm trying out - a Gregory Master 4-18, a Woodwind G6, and a Buffet C Crown
the Buffet C Crown is a bit bright for my taste I think
I was wondering if anybody had any advice for me! Reed suggestions would be great too!
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Author: ned
Date: 2009-03-11 01:11
Well, this is a popular topic of sorts.
As it so happens I use a 5JB, principally as it is the closest to my beloved (and now expired) Roc *6.
If you search the BB for similar posts though, you will likely find a concensus of opinion which advises that one should use the the mouthpiece which most suits you - 5JB notwithstanding. This is the best advice I'd say.
There is no such thing really, as a jazz mouthpiece.
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Author: willow129
Date: 2009-03-11 02:54
Thank you, I did think it was kind of a broad question on further reflection - I'll look through the posts :-)
I just wish I had a 5JB I could try out right now! haha impatient...
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Author: Mike Johnson
Date: 2009-03-11 03:53
I play jazz, but don't like the 5JB. The Brilhart 5* works best for me.
I suggest you try to whittle your list down to a few, then go try them. If you order them online, make sure you can return them if they don't work out. Don't forget to have reeds available with varying degrees of hardness.
Mike Johnson
Napa, California
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Author: Kalakos
Date: 2009-03-12 02:58
There are some that come to mind you might want to try:
Clark Fobes 6L "Jazz"
John Pierce "Jazz"
Portnoy BP 3
Walter Grabner's "Jazz" (which I don't know if he still makes)
John
Kalakos
Kalakos Music
http://www.TAdelphia.com
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Author: Bill G
Date: 2009-03-12 03:03
I applaud Mike's mention of Brilhart. I played a 4* for over 50 years in dance band and jazz settings and saw many professionals who played that brand. It is very flexible and much less expensive than most of the brands you currently see mentioned. I agree that the best mouthpiece is the one that suits you best, but certainly suggest that one who is newly looking for a mouthpiece of this type should arrange to try a 3*, 4* or 5*. The tip opening of course is an individual preference.
Bill Gamble
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2009-03-12 16:35
Willow,
It's been my experience that one can play jazz or folk or whatever musical style on any clarinet mouthpiece.
For me, mouthpiece selection is finding one that matches my tonal conception of the clarinet and me as an individual player.
Having found a mouthpiece that really does it for me, I'll then play in any musical style by adapting my playing to that style. Thus, if I'm performing in a jazz ensemble I play with my jazz style. If I'm performing traditional Greek music (as an example) I'll play in that style. Thus, for me, it's a matter of HOW I play.
So, in my opinion, what's most important is find a mouthpiece that helps to give you a quality of sound and level of response & projection that you really love. Then, use that one mouthpiece for all of your playing and adapt your playing style to whatever kind of music you're doing.
Good luck!
PS, I'll put in a plug for the Walter Grabner K14. I've found it to be a superb general use mouthpiece (ie, any style of music).
Roger
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