 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bobbie
Date: 2009-10-17 19:27
My son has just entered high school. He played the clarinet for marching band and would like to play the bass clarinet for concert band. The school has an instrument that he can use. However, the mouthpiece is considered a "personal" item and it will not be supplied.
I have looked at several websites for a mouthpiece but have become confused with the choices. Can someone give me advice on what I need to know in order to make an informed purchase?
We live in a small town with only one music store. I was there today and they do not carry any in stock and the gentleman had no idea on what to suggest.
Thank you in advance for any advice.
Bobbie
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-10-17 19:51
Some of the folks I know who play bass clarinet speak very highly of the Clark Fobes mouthpieces. You can check them out here: http://www.clarkwfobes.com/clarinets_low.html . Since he's still new at bass, I would recommend trying out a couple of the Debut models. They aren't all that expensive, but are surprisingly good for the low cost. You can order these through many of the online retailers, such as www.wwbw.com or www.weinermusic.com or www.muncywinds.com. Most of these vendors will send you out 3 or 4 different mouthpieces, and you can try all of them for a week or so, then keep the one you feel is best. There is a small cleaning/restocking fee on the ones you return, but it's far cheaper than getting stuck with a mouthpiece you don't like! Contact Mr. Fobes through his site first, and he will get back to you with more info on his mouthpieces.
Walter Grabner and Gregory Smith make superb mouthpieces also, but mainly hand-finished professional models that would be far too expensive for your son at this time.
If he isn't doing so already, it might be worth hooking your son with a private clarinet teacher. This might be especially helpful for making the transition to bass clarinet.
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."
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Author: bobbie
Date: 2009-10-17 20:56
Thank you for the information with the website URLs. I will look through them to see what they have available.
My son played the bass clarinet in middle school for two years. However, the mouthpiece and reeds were provided. When he moved on to high school they didn't march with a bass clarinet. So he had to switch to the clarinet for marching season. Now that marching season is almost over he wants to go back to the bass clarinet for concerts.
I looked at several websites before I found this board and they had comments about "facing" and "open" mouthpieces. Then you had to choose which "facing" 1 thru 4. The gentleman at our music store was asking me to choose a "B" or "C". When I asked about the difference he had no idea and was just reading from a catalog.
Thanks again for the URLs!!
Bobbie
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-10-17 21:43
Bobbie, that's why it's best to consult with a maker, like Brad Behn or Clark Fobes. They can ask your son a number of questions and make intelligent recommendations.
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess he isn't studying privately. A teacher would be the best person to know what particular mouthpiece would work well for him. If he doesn't have a teacher, it might be worth signing up wioth one for at least a few lessons.
Jeff
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Author: alanporter
Date: 2009-10-17 22:14
You don't say what model of bass clarinet your son has.
Be aware that the Fobes mouthpiece does not fit some of the Vito basses. It is a full mm smaller in diameter and tends to wobble.
tiaroa@shaw.ca
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Author: bobbie
Date: 2009-10-17 23:37
Alan,
I think the school has two models. A Yamaha and a Selmar. He wants to use the Selmar because it is a newer instrument. He played an older one (not sure of the model) in middle school and it was constantly in need of repairs.
Thank you for the information on the Fobes and the Vitos.
Bobbie
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Author: bcl1dso
Date: 2009-10-18 04:46
A B40 or B44 is a pretty standard mouthpiece for bass clarinet. There are many professionals that play B40's or B44's and they will also be cheaper than buying a "custom" mouthpiece.
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Author: xingfan1227
Date: 2009-10-18 05:10
also take a look at the Fobes Debut. It's one of the best-buys.
http://1stopclarinet.stores.yahoo.net/basclarmout.html
I believe it's also available in wwbw.com
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