 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Alex
Date: 2000-11-26 21:10
I have a question about mouthpieces for the Bb clarinet. What is this I keep hearing about tip size openings? What size opening is good for a 4 VanDoren reed? I have only ever used one mouth piece, an Encore that came with my clarinet, but it is cracking, so I need to get a new one, and I was intreagued by the idea of a cyrstal mouthpiece. As previously stated, I never tried other mouthpieces, so any imput would be welcome. Oh, and I don't live in an area with a lot of music stores so trying any out could be difficult. Thanks for any help you can give me. 
Alex
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Fred
Date: 2000-11-26 21:41
Alex, unless you own stock in #4 reeds or have a 20yr supply squirrelled away, I'd suggest getting a mouthpiece that will work well for you and go with whatever strength reed is right for the mouthpiece.
You didn't mention what level player you were, but I assume you're not a beginner if you are chewing on #4's. Tip openings refer to the space between the tip of the reed and the tip of the mouthpiece. Smaller openings can be found on such mainstay orchestral mouthpieces as the Vandoren 5RV. These often take a harder reed like your 4's. Larger openings are somewhat more flexible (Vandoren B45) and are played by both mature players and beginners alike, and may take a slightly softer reed. Wide tip openings (Vandoren 5JB) are often used by jazz players because there is so much flexibility with the sound. That also makes them harder to control and play in tune. They use much softer reeds.
Now, if you'll go to the Woodwind and Brasswind web site, you can compare these Vandoren mp's with other brands - the tip openings are listed. What are your friends playing on? Vandorens are pretty much stock mp's - a good decent choice but rarely a lifetime experience. Still, they are probably the most frequently stocked brand, and it is useful to familiarize yourself with them.
As for crystal, they have a following all of their own. I don't own one nor play around folks that have them, but I'm told the tone is a bit different. Not universally better . . . or everyone would have them . . . Some respected crystal brands include Vandoren (yep), Obrian (sp?), LeBlanc, Pomarico (maybe some of the best currently available). But in the end, you're going to have to try them. If you don't have a store to deal with, you can order up to six mp's from many web sites, and keep the one you like best (small restocking fee).
Good Luck
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Andy
Date: 2000-11-27 01:02
I played on a Pomarico No.1 Mouthpiece for a couple of years and loved the sound. It had a beautiful dark tone that was consistent throughout the instrument. BUT, you can't project as much on the crystal mouthpieces and although the tone is consistent, you are not always after a dark serious sound. Could you imagine the Francaix concerto being played with a dark serious tone. I have since moved on to a Selmer C95 123 and the variation available is amazing. I can still get the dark sound if I require it, but I can also let go and have a wild sound if I desire. I think variation within limits is essential to buying a new mouthpiece.
Go with what you are happy with though as none of us have the same embourchure.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Pomarico s.n.c.
Date: 2000-11-27 13:30
Dear Alex, I read your Email where you asked informations about Crystal mouthpieces for clarinet. As you surely know we are the biggest producers of crystal mouthpieces so if you want send to uor email address your postal address, so I can send you our catalogues.
P.S.-I hope you don't confuse this message for a dirty way of making ad.
Many regards
Riccardo Clerici
Pomarico s.n.c.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob Curtis
Date: 2000-11-27 17:05
Andy -
I have played the clarinet for 60 years and taught it for 50 years. I have two clarinets - a Buffet made in '45 and a Selmer CT made in '53. I use a Selmer HS* crystal mouthpiece on both of these and love them. The mouthpieces were purchased around '50. Too far back to remember for sure.
The hard rubber mouthpieces and some other types do have a tendency to warp over the years where the crystals do not. Personally, I like the tone of my old mouthpiece as I can play both seriou and jazz type music by not using as stiff a reed as some players insist on doing. Currently, I am not using a VanDoren reed but am using a Zonda reed. They are a new company on the market and are putting out a really good reed. The strength levels are a sittle stiffer than the listings of most others so I don't have to get as stiff a reed to accomplish what I want.
You must decide on what type of playing you want to do, and choose the mouthpiece to fit your style. Everyone has a different embrouchure, a concept of tone, etc. Get one with which you feel comfortable. If you are not carfefully you could become a "mouthpiece junkie" constantly switching from one to another in search of the "perfect" mouthpiece, of which there probably is not one out there.
Good luck in your quest.
Bob Curtis
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Alex
Date: 2000-11-28 12:51
Thanks to everyone who replied to my message. You have given me some things to think about, and I appreciate the information that you have tendered to me.
Alex
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Crystal Obrien
Date: 2000-11-29 03:44
This stuff is right down my alley. I agree in general with what people have said; mouthpieces with smaller, (closer) tip openings can gererally take a heavier reed and the more open the tip, one would generally play a lighter, more flexible reed.
This doesn't take into account the practice of some makers who create asymmetrical facings which I fundamentally disagree with. I think it's a gimmick and hell on reeds and reed adjusting and it can easily wreck a decent embochoure if you don't know what you're doing. I won't name these makers' names but their initials are J.P. and D.J.
My best advice for you is to try some basic Vandorens... there are a lot of new facing models out there and the facings are really pretty good and consistent. If you're really interested in crystal mouthpieces, try some out: Pomarico, Vandoren, Mitchel Lurie and my personal favorite, the old Obriens that aren't too open. Try looking on ebay. Happy hunting.
-Crystal
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
