 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: yearsofwisdom
Date: 2011-02-13 18:44
I am currently using the M30 and all my reeds feel soft on it, and i am using size 4 v12s. She suggested that i get the B-40 13 Lyre since it would give me 1. more control 2. more resistance 3. possibly better tone as well. What are your thoughts on this mouthpiece? My teacher is principal of a major symphony.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2011-02-13 19:11
1. If all your reeds feel soft the first course is to try harder reeds, even the blue box 4's are slightly harder than v12s.
2. As inumerable posts on this board reiterate - you have to try a mouthpiece to see if it works for you.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2011-02-13 19:27
You could try the B40L or use harder (4-1/2 V12?) reeds on the M30 or consider mouthpieces outside the Vandoren line. My knee-jerk reaction is that this isn't much different from refacing your mouthpiece to use a particular favorite reed. To me it's a backward approach, especially if the issue is resistance level rather than basic sound quality. I would try the simplest change first, and it seems as if changing reed strengths (for one box) is simpler and cheaper than choosing a different mouthpiece. If that isn't successful, go for the mouthpiece itself.
Of course, the other question to be asked is whether or not _your teacher_ finds your reeds too soft on your mouthpiece when she checks your setup. It could be that your perception of lack of resistance is a symptom of some other technical problem that could be addressed with no change of equipment.
Karl
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Author: sonicbang
Date: 2011-02-14 19:25
I have heard that the same reeds are stronger on the M30Lyre than on the regular M30. I can't confirm this, because I don't like M30 at all. ( nor B40).
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Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2011-02-14 22:53
I played the M30 for several years and then switched to the B40L. Both are fine mouthpieces, but quite different from one another.
The M30 is very flexible, free-blowing and produces a resonant, slightly "open", very dark sound. While I found V12 #4 sufficiently stiff for this facing, the flexibility of the M30 can be difficult to control without a firm (non-biting) embouchure and strong air support.
In contrast, as your teacher has noted the B40L does have more resistance (requiring softer reeds, e.g., V12s about "3 1/4 - 3 1/2" in strength for me), is therefore easier to control and has a denser sound that seems to allow a wider variety of tone quality.
I still love the feel of the M30, but pragmatically, the B40L worked better for me because (1) for me, it tunes better (the M30s play a bit low for me), and (2) I felt that it sounded better in recordings, and (3) nearly every non-clarinettist for whom I played both the M30 and B40L felt the latter had more tone-color.
The M30 Lyre could be a possibility as well. I and several others find that it seems to favor a slightly SOFTER reed than does the M30 (odd, since it allegedly has a closer facing with the same length lay....) However, it does have better control, and a more focused (but perhaps slightly smaller) sound than the M30.
Note that there can be variability in Vandoren mouthpieces, so you should try at least a few of them in any given facing to find the one(s) that you like. While some have criticized this, I find it helpful. For example, I have 3 B40 Lyres that I play that all have different characteristics: one is an older sample that blows very freely with more "presence", one has moderate resistance with a velvety sound, and one has a lot of resistance with a very dark, dense sound. These options allow a good match to most reeds and playing conditions.
If time is not of the essence, Vandoren is releasing a new "Masters" mouthpiece in March-April that will be available in CL4/CL5 facings. This may be a viable option for some players.
Bob Barnhart
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Author: claaaaaarinet!!!!
Date: 2011-02-14 22:53
From personal experience, I'd have to say that the M30 and B-40 Lyre 13 are quite different. It's well worth your time to compare them with a few different reed strenghts/types. The B-40 Lyre is more open and your reeds will feel a bitter harder.
I happen to really like the B40 Lyre 13. As with all the 13 series mouthpieces, though, be careful that your throats aren't flat on it.
Good luck!
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Author: yearsofwisdom
Date: 2011-02-17 20:23
Sounds good... i think i may go for the B40 L 13 series since my throat tones are somewhat sharp!!! and i generally play sharp. I have correct non-biting embouchure but i am pretty sure my mouthpiece has warped too so 1. i have terrible control and 2. i have a lot of trouble finding a reed that fits well...
Where's the cheapest place to purchase a B40 13 lyre?
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