 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: xpedx7342
Date: 2009-10-05 21:10
Ok, maybe the title may be a little exxagerated. I just recevied my E flat clarinet from my band director togady. It is an R-13 with HS* MP and I use the Vandoren Klassik ligature with Vandoren 3 E flat reeds. However, (I don't know if this is normal), the sound seems so much more constricted and has a sort of sharp edge to the sound. I know I just started today, but could anyone help to stop this small constricted shrill sound?
I really don't see why so many people hate the eefer, I think it's just fantastic.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-10-05 21:22
We used to call the HS mouthpiece the High School Mouthpiece. I suggest you try a few others. The Vandorens are pretty good and very reasonably priced. Go to one of the mail order stores, they will send you up to four on a trial basis. Also, I'd suggest trying a 3 1/2 reed to give you a little more body in the sound. Many players actually use Bb reeds instead. The Vandoren German cut is about the same size but has more wood but you can use any Bb reed even though they are a bit wide, they still can work well for some players. You may have to clip off the butt end, a small branch trimmer works great for that or a wire clipper will work too. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: xpedx7342
Date: 2009-10-05 21:58
Could please give a guide on how to convert Bflat reeds to E flat? And is the German black/white master reed line up well with E flat mouthpieces? I agree, perhaps more wood in the reed will produce a fuller tone.
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Author: William
Date: 2009-10-05 22:31
Simply measure the approx length of an Eb reed--actually putting one on the back of the Bb, tip to tip and marking the shorter butt length is best--and then chop the longer Bb off to fit your Eb mpc (chop the butt end--not the tip :>). I use an electrical wire crimper with a wide head for a quick, clean snip--cane of synthetic. Be sure you use a new Bb reed, not one that you have already worn out on your soprano clarinet.
FWIW, our local university professor of jazz & composition (Eastman DMA, woodwind artist) once recommended I buy a Selmer or Leblanc effer over a Buffet because, "they sound less like holloween."
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Author: xpedx7342
Date: 2009-10-05 22:56
Thanks, haha I was going to use scissors for a moment X.X well, The school has given me this R-13 and I have no other alternative E-flat so this is what I am sticking with for now.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-10-06 00:17
The Vandoren White Masters reeds work well with many Eb mouthpieces. Try a box.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
Post Edited (2009-10-06 00:18)
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Author: xpedx7342
Date: 2009-10-06 20:18
Yes, I heard that the White Master Reeds work well. But do I have to adjust them at all to fit the E flat mouthpiece or are they useable out of hte box? Because I know that the regular, non German reeds have to be trimmed a little to fit.
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2009-10-06 21:09
I have used a fine jeweler's saw to cut Bb reeds. It takes time, but it is very simple and the finish is very neat.
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