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What Kind of Mouthpiece

Author: stevethemusicman
Date: 2009-03-13 00:10

Hi All,

I am new to playing the clarinet. Well new as in I haven't played for 40 years. I just got a buffet R13 used and it came with the Buffet f3a. I've hears references to it being as good as a door stop and I tend to agree.

I always used an O'Brian mouthpiece in the past and will probably purchase a used one of a new Selmer. My problem is in the meantime I have to find out which opening I need to use to get my chops back. The f3a seems to closed for my liking. I remember I used to use a 2 1/2 or 3 reed on the O'Brian.

Can anyone give me an idea of a decent (cheap, less than 20.00) that I can get? I've seen some for 12 dollars and I'm in the mind to buy a medium to large opening so I can see what I really like. I'm sure the small opening is too small for me but i'm not sure. It could be that if the f3a is a small opening maybe that is what I don't like about it.

I was, in the past a strong player. Lot's of wind available. But 40 years later who knows eh? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve

Steve Lewis

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Re: What Kind of Mouthpiece

Author: jsc
Date: 2009-03-13 00:43

Spend a little extra and look at a Vandoren B45. If $90 or so is a little too much, try a Fobes for $30.

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Re: What Kind of Mouthpiece

Author: stevethemusicman
Date: 2009-03-13 01:17

Hi,

It's not the price. It's just that It is only temporary (maybe) until I get a crystal.

Thanks,
Steve

Steve Lewis

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Re: What Kind of Mouthpiece

Author: jsc
Date: 2009-03-13 01:28

Try the Fobes Debut. It is a student mouthpiece but it's a place to start. Couple of my students liked them, a couple didn't. Everyone's different. If price is not a problem, go to this:

http://www.wwbw.com/Vandoren-B45-Bb-Clarinet-Optimum-Mouthpiece-Pack-465061-i1144572.wwbw

Mouthpiece, reeds, ligature, and cork grease for $99 + S & H.

Such a deal. I teach high school, by the way, and am constantly trying to get them to get something besides the stock mouthpiece. Most of my school instruments have at least decent mouthpieces. Can't afford new instruments for all but at least they have a good start.

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Re: What Kind of Mouthpiece

Author: pewd
Date: 2009-03-13 01:54

fobes debut

- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas

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Re: What Kind of Mouthpiece

Author: Geirskogul
Date: 2009-03-13 01:54

I like the Hite Premier, or a Pomarico. The Emerald Bright is okay, Mellow is a bit...TOO mellow. No projection. It's not warm, just weak. Ruby is my favorite.

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Re: What Kind of Mouthpiece

Author: stevethemusicman
Date: 2009-03-13 02:17

Hi All,

Great suggestions but what about the opening? That's where I'm very confused.

Thanks,
Steve

Steve Lewis

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Re: What Kind of Mouthpiece

Author: Ed
Date: 2009-03-13 02:33

Fobes Debut. Great playing mouthpiece at an amazing price.

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Re: What Kind of Mouthpiece

Author: clockwiser
Date: 2009-03-13 14:43

I love the student version of the Gennusa Excellence mouthpiece - Mezzo. it has a great sound.

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Re: What Kind of Mouthpiece

Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2009-03-13 19:21

According to Clark W. Fobes's website, the Fobes Debut has a facing length of 17 mm and tip opening of 1.00 mm.

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