 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Dzialo
Date: 2009-04-22 06:10
I just wanted to ask a few things that I can do to improve how I play, my sound and such. I am interested in upgrading some parts of my Clarinet, since I am unable to buy a completely new Clarinet at this time. I have played at state and national level competitions with this thing, so I feel I am above the average user.
I use a B12 Buffet Crampon, Bb Clarinet.
I use Vandoren V12 3 Reeds.
I use the Plastic Buffet Mouthpiece that came with the Clarinet
QUESTION 1:
What mouthpiece would you recommend? I was looking at the B45 or the M15 88 profile. I tend to play 'light and brisk music,' so I play on the upper octave and like my notes to be pure and firm. I also enjoy playing 'dark and moving,' music, so I can go to my lowest notes from time to time.
QUESTION 2:
Over time, it seems that my Clarinet doesn't respond to me like it used to? If I jump from note to note, there is some kind of lag or delay in response. I need to press harder on my keys as time went on to make sure my pads covered all my holes.
I just don't have that control anymore. It's like my Clarinet has become harder to play. It takes more effort to get those notes out.
QUESTION 3:
Why do I still squeak from time to time? I have never before until this year, when I felt my Clarinet has been slipping away from me. I don't know what's happening. I used to love my Clarinet. I could play with freedom with it, and I could feel and hear it, and so could others, but now that just isn't there.
QUESTION 4:
I believe some of my dismay may have been from the rainy days of Marching band. I was forced to use my Clarinet in the rain, and it ruined my pads, I complained and felt that I should not be forced to play in the rain because of possible damage from the weather. My teacher did fix a few of my pads, but not all of them; if I am correct, he/had someone replace at most 4 pads.
QUESTION 5:
I tend to play more advanced work. Is what I play more advanced them my Student B12 Clarinet, could this be why I feel my Clarinet has hindered me because I have progressed and began to play more advanced music?
QUESTION 6:
What can I do about playing on harder reeds? I like playing on them, but they become rather hard to play on, because this has to do with my plastic starter mouthpiece. I get a much more firm and steady tone, it's much more becoming, I want to have that bold full sound, but I also want to still be nimble.
QUESTION 7:
How can I prevent my reeds from getting so wet from my saliva? I try to play with dry air. As my reed gets wet, it gets kind of flimsy, and I have to take it off and dry it. I didn't think that I generated so much saliva.
QUESTION 8:
Why is it so hard for me to articulate a 16th notes, as if were to toung each one, they just don't all come out of I play at the needed speed, it's kind I just ran over them, just in my mouth I can feel my toung where each note should be, but it just isn't there. Sometimes I kind of run over myself when I have to articulate them all.
If I need to hope around in a slur, sometimes notes just come out. (High to low)
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I think I just need to take my Clarinet to be looked at. As I have dropped it a few times, and I have bent some keys, such as my side trill keys. I can't use the 2nd from the bottom because if I press it, it stops the 1st bottom one from working and leaves it open and I can't place because it isn't closed. So I have to make sure that I don't use it when playing F#'s, etc.
Please excuse my ignorance, the Clarinet just came natural to me, so when I played something, it sounded fine and I didn't have to bother tweaking with other things such a mouthpieces, etc. However, I want to become more 'aware' of my Clarinet, and make sure that I polish up how I play and what I play with.
Thank you for your responses. I miss my Clarinet, and I cry whenever I think a about how I am not able to play it like I used to.
Regards,
Christopher Dzialo
Post Edited (2009-04-22 06:18)
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2009-04-22 06:47
1: Try as many different kinds as you can, see which you like best.
2-4: Sounds like your instrument could use some work by a good technician.
5: I don't imagine I'd have much problem playing advanced works on a *well adjusted* B12. See my answer to 2-4.
8: Sounds like a finger-tongue coordination issue. Make sure that the time is in your fingers and your tongue matches what your fingers are doing.
If you've dropped it and taken it out in the rain, I'm surprised it plays as well as you say. Take it to a reputable technician as soon as possible. Please note that not all technicians do equal work. Ask for multiple opinions (universities are often a good place to ask) for who does good work near you.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2009-04-22 08:31
Ditto, ditto, ditto.
You can check pad alignment by blowing into each joint with one hand sealing the holes and the other sealing the open end. If there's a leak, there's a squeak; get an overhaul.
A different mouthpiece can make articulation easier and can make your 'favourite' reeds feel quite different. Find a store and try as many as you can.
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Author: Nessie1
Date: 2009-04-22 12:38
To take most of your questions in a few words, I would strongly recommend you change mouthpieces - it is generally pretty accepted that Buffet mouthpieces are not much good anyway and, if you are a moderately experienced player, you would definitely find something else to give you better results. As has been suggested before, just go to a decent shop and try as many as you can within your price range. If they will then let you take away a couple of your favourites on approval for a week or something, so much the better.
Secondly, it does sound as though your instument would benefit from a really good overhaul. If there is rain damage and possibly poor adjustment from wear and tear or from previous lower quality work an overhaul could make a lot of difference.
Concerning moisture under the reed, this may well be condensation rather than saliva. There is not much that can be done to prevent it. There are "wet" players and there are "dry" players. I know - I'm a "wettie"!
Vanessa.
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Author: Neal Raskin
Date: 2009-04-22 12:48
In addition to what was said above...
My advice for a mouthpiece would be a Vandoren M13 Lyre, but try many with different reed/ligature combinations. A new mouthpiece will make a world of difference. Frankly, the mouthpieces that come with instruments, even the very best R-13s are better used as a doorstop than a mouthpiece.
It is also important to find a style/strength of reed that matches the mouthpiece. Vandoren has a chart on their website here: http://www.vandoren.fr/en/clarinetbb.html
A good ligature sounds in order as well. There are too many to count, but a decent, inexpensive, durable ligature is a Rovner Mark III. Also, Inverted Bonade ligatures are widely used.
The instrument needs to be repaired. An overhaul sounds likely, new pads, corks, fix keys etc.
This should improve 80% of your woes. Hopefully you can start here and keep progressing. Hopefully others on this board will have more advice to give you.
Neal Raskin
www.youtube.com/nmraskin
www.musicedforall.com
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2009-04-22 13:00
Another thing you might do, to protect yourself against this problem in the future, is prowl your local flea markets this summer for a good-quality used, plastic clarinet that you can play outdoors or in other iffy situations, without risking your best instrument. Students who get rid of the plastic when they move up to pro instruments make a big mistake, imho. It's always wise to keep a backup. But, so many kids make this mistake, or quit without ever playing their clarinets much, that used plastic clarinets are easy to find, and they're cheap.
The Vito is a reliable choice. Bundies from the 1960s and 1970s are terrible, imho, but the company improved that brand considerably in the 1980s, then started calling it an American Selmer. I have a plastic Bundy from the mid-1980s that's a pretty good clarinet, certainly good enough to play in a band outdoors in the rain. At flea markets and even yard sales, you can find these decent student instruments in good condition for less than $100. Or you can pay a bit more (but be sure of exactly what you're getting) by buying a used plastic clarinet that's already been reconditioned, from an instrument repair shop. The bargain-priced plastic Hite Premiere mouthpiece plays well on my Bundy and Vito.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
Post Edited (2009-04-22 13:04)
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-04-22 13:07
> it is generally pretty accepted that Buffet mouthpieces are not much good
> anyway
This is simply not true. They make good door stop wedges. ![[toast]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley15.gif)
--
Ben
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Author: pewd
Date: 2009-04-22 13:15
i thought we solved this last year - make them into toothbrush holders
to the OP - too much verbage above - you said you dropped it and bent some keys - take it to the shop - have the keys straightened. it also seems you might need a full repad. after thats done, many of the problems you described will go away. after the horn is repaired, repost whatever remaining issues you have. but get it fixed first.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2009-04-22 13:27
Careful about saying Buffet MPs should be used as doorstops or toothbrush holders. I have older C and C Crown Buffet MPs that play just great.
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2009-04-22 13:32
I can remember quite clearly my stock Buffet mouthpiece being much nicer than the one that came with my B&H Regent II... :-)
But seriously, there are as many recommendations as players; just check out the recent thread.
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Author: chris moffatt
Date: 2009-04-22 13:41
Bravo Hank: we need to oppose the base (or is it bass) canard about Buffet mouthpieces...I've used a C crown for thirty years and it's still an excellent MP - two teachers wanted to buy it from me....now Buffet clarinets - that's another issue!
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2009-04-22 18:06
Man, even a Vandoren 5RV would be an improvement over the Buffet stock mouthpiece. I'd highly recommend getting something like that. You'll see an amazing improvement right away. Also, you can always find a good used one (make sure it's in excellent condition) on ebay or in the classifieds or off some teacher somewhere.
Although there are rare instances (like the Crown C), most Buffet stock mouthpieces are really bad. I base this upon my experience in selling mouthpieces and clarinets (a business I no longer do) and play-testing hundreds through the years.
The mouthpiece you have now could possibly be re-faced by a good refacer and it might be an improvement.
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Author: reedwizard
Date: 2009-04-22 18:20
In regards to stock mouthpieces that come with the clarinet it is my understanding that they are usually pitched higher because beginners have not yet developed an embouchure. When the students begin to play sharp then it is time to move to a non stock mouthpiece.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2009-04-22 18:29
I'd suggest y'all stop arguing about stock Buffet mouthpieces, because you're comparing apples and oranges. The old hard rubber Buffet "C Crown" is a totally different mouthpiece than the molded plastic doorstop supplied with more recent instruments.
Pardon the outburst, I have to go back to my padded cell now.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2009-04-22 18:41
DS,
I'll amend my "Careful about saying Buffet MPs should be used as doorstops or toothbrush holders. I have older C and C Crown Buffet MPs that play just great."
The new version "Careful about saying Buffet MPs should be used as doorstops or toothbrush holders. I have older C and C Crown Buffet MPs that play just great. Comparing these hard rubber MPs to the current 'molded plastic doorstops would be like comparing apples and oranges."
I think that's got it!
HRL
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Author: Dzialo
Date: 2009-04-23 05:10
Thank you all for all of your comments.
You were all a wonderful help! I make sure I do what all of you said. I am excited to be playing my Clarinet at peak performance again!
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2009-04-23 16:30
Well, since the beginner of the thread is using the plastic (doorstop) mouthpiece (as David S. named the stock plastic Buffet mouthpieces), I would suggest a new mouthpiece. If a good Crown C (which I agree is usually a good one if it's faced properly) is not available I would go to a Vandoren, or an intermediate mouthpiece from Walter Grabner or some such source.
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Author: kejmn
Date: 2009-05-04 04:36
Wow. If you were my student? This would have cost you a small fortune! Just kidding.
First off, I believe the most important question to ask yourself before changing mouthpieces is "what is your goal?" The following is based on the assumption that necessary repairs and maintenance have been taken care of.
For instance, if you are playing outside in a marching band, you will want a mouthpiece/reed combination that will allow you to have a bright, sharp (not vs. flat) sound that is easy to produce. This combination will almost feel like very little air is even required to get a lot of sound out of your instrument. Certainly not the sound or feel you would choose for a Wind Ensemble or Orchestral performance.
It feels a bit like you contradicted yourself a bit. You like the bright sound and at the same time like the rich and warm. You can have both in both registers.
I have an almost 'ancient' Buffet stock mouthpiece that I use often. I like it for individual practice and for playing outdoors in a Concert Band or Wind Ensemble setting. I don't like to use this mouthpiece for indoor performances in a quality venue.
If I am playing in a small group. WW Quintet, a trio, duet, or any group without brass instruments I actually play on a Crystal mouthpiece. It is hard of course as glass is. However, the sound it allows me to produce is extraordinary.
My preference is to always have a rich, warm, mellow sound. That will always be the first factor in choosing a mouthpiece. There are some basic 'rules' that apply to mouthpieces but remember that it is a very individual thing. Personally I do not like Vandoren mouthpieces at all. I don't like the sound I produce with these mouthpieces and I think I have probably tried them all.
As for reeds? The same principal applies. Moving up to a harder reed is not necessarily a "right of passage" or something that indicates you are getting better and better. For me a harder reed simply means more work and a brighter sound. Not necessary in my opinion. You always have the option of customizing your reeds for your sound preference and you can even learn to make your own reeds either from blanks or from 'scratch.' I believe that all clarinet players should customize their reeds. The process itself is invaluable as you learn to be very aware of your own individual sound. Find a good instructor who REGULARLY customizes or creates their own reeds if you would like to try this. Bad instruction in this area is a waste of time and energy.
Lastly - the sound you choose to produce is also dependent on the group with whom you are playing if you are not performing solo. Back to the Marching Band concept. If you're playing in an Orchestra you certainly don't want to be the only one with a Marching Band sound.
Hope this helps. Keep on asking questions. It's the only way we learn. ALWAYS remember that all of this is very personal. What works for your favorite clarinet player may very well be the worst possible combination for you.
Good Luck
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Author: OyJoey
Date: 2009-05-06 04:21
Chris-
kejmn is right about reed strength. Playing harder reeds doesn't necessarily mean you are better. In fact, my second teacher worked on me for a whole year NOT to play harder reed. That way I could pay attention on my air flow, embouchure vs. compression of air to really create beautiful velvety rounded sound. And I dare say I achieved that, and I only play No. 3 Rico Reserve reeds (V12 is great too!). It's a myth that being able to play harder reed means you are advancing, cuz when the reed strength gets harder people tent to put more pressure on their embouchure in order for the reed to vibrate, which is not a good technique, and you won't be able to play longer. Your facial muscle gets tired easier that way.
Indeed a good mouth piece (to pair with a good barrel) is crucial. In general Vendoren makes good MPs. What you should do is to go to a big music store and try different MPs. And select one that is easy for you to play and will create the kind of sound you like/want, within your budget. Good MP/Reed combo does make a whole lot of difference.
If you have the budget, get your horn a tune-up! Buffet B12 is a good instrument for students. My first instrument was an Armstrong Ebonite Clarinet and my teacher at the time was surprised how good it sounded when he tried to demonstrate me stuff on my clarinet.
Good luck!
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