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Re: Eb mouthpieces

Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2009-07-02 21:30

Roz,

Years ago, I started playing Eb in the San Diego Symphony on a Vandoren 5RV which is a fine (and relatively inexpensive at ~$78) Eb mouthpiece, as long as you use a fairly strong reed with it (Vandoren Eb Blue-Box #4 or Bb Black Master #4). After a couple of years, I switched to an Eb mouthpiece by Jim Kantor which had a bigger/louder sound but was a bit more difficult to control.

About a year ago I bought a Vandoren B44 Eb mouthpiece that has not worked out for me. The response is fine, but the sound, though bigger than the 5RV, is not as refined. It might work for your son though. A Vandoren B40 Eb is also available, but I don't have experience with that.

A few months ago, Ben Redwine sent me a bunch of mouthpieces among which was one of his (A-Frame) Zinner Eb mouthpieces (~1.05 tip opening). Although more expensive ($160) than the Vandorens, I have gotten a number of favorable comments on my sound since buying this mouthpiece. It responds and tunes really well (particularly into the altissimo where you have to be comfortable on the Effer). Of the mouthpieces I've played, this one works best for me.

I can't speak from personal experience, but I know several Eb players who really like the Fobes Eb mouthpieces ($90-$180), and I've heard good things about the Hite Eb mouthpiece ($75) as well.

As with any mouthpiece selection, it pays to try a number of models/facings because what works for one person may not work for another. In any case, the mouthpiece should facilitate playing responsively and in tune at loud dynamics, particularly in the extreme altissimo register as this is often required of the instrument.

Good luck!
Bob

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