 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2011-03-25 18:51
Hi Clarinet Pros:
I'm a doubler who 'majors' on oboe; I have a nice refurbished Noblet Bb clarinet and I need a recommendation for an affordable mouthpiece; the Selmer one I have (HS, France) has a fine tone but I'm struggling with the really high notes. I'm fine with the reed strength and the instrument is in good repair.
So I'm thinking that a perhaps 'thinner' profile might suit me better? I've had several recommendations for the Vandoren line but there are too many choices and I've no idea how to tell one from another.
I thank you for your time and any input!
mary
GoodWinds
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2011-03-25 18:59
Hi
I am sure you will get a lot of help here, but some things the denizens of the board will want to know:
What strength of reed are you using?...what brand, also?
Likewise, check the mouthpiece to be certain that it is a plain HS with no
stars (*) . If not, is it an HS* or HS**? The stars indicate differences in
tip openning.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-03-25 19:36
Mouthpieces tend to be somewhat of a personal preference and what works for some people may not work for others. You best bet is probably to find a music shop that has several different models in stock and try them all to see what works best for you. You could also order several from woodwind/brasswind on trial for a small fee and then return the ones you don't like.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2011-03-25 21:01
Hi, Mary:
The Selmer HS has a very close tip opening; with the correct (stiff) reeds the really high notes should be little trouble to produce.
Note that the HS is a bit extreme in terms of the closeness of its tip opening and certainly won't work for everyone. As a doubler on the clarinet, a less radical facing such as the HS* may serve you better.
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Author: concertmaster3
Date: 2011-03-25 21:58
Ursa is right on!
My HS* works great with a 4 strength reed, and plays similar to my Genussa GE facing. I'd imagine the HS without the * would need something harder. I used to try the HS* with a 3, and I found the same issue with the upper register. As an oboist though, I will say that closed openings work well for me, since we are used to smaller openings than most!
Good luck!
Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2011-03-28 01:44
Thanks everybody: I've an HS*, I guess that's what that funny little mark is, and I'll increase reed strength to see if that will work, before I go further shopping.
My endurance on clarinet exceeds that of oboe, so a firmer reed won't be a struggle.
I still welcome input, by the way...
GoodWinds
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Author: Pastor Rob
Date: 2011-03-28 03:42
Not at all intending to hijack this thread, I was wondering how hard it is to double between clarinet and oboe? I knew where I can get a great deal on a barely used Yamaha Oboe and am sorely tempted to give it a try.
Pastor Rob Oetman
Leblanc LL (today)
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Author: salsacookies
Date: 2011-03-28 06:44
Oboe requires very little air...a lot of support, but not a whole lot of air, so your air in your lungs goes stale before you have a chance to use it all. I also play bassoon and the change isn't really that different as far as air. The embouchure is surely different though.
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2011-03-29 04:01
I personally LIKE doubling, it keeps you on your toes. As long as you don't let your brain get tangled up in the fingering differences, I find it fairly easy to adjust embouchure etc.
Using neck straps can get awkward if you have really fast switches, so beware of that.
If you have wooden instruments, I recommend having a cozy (something to insulate the one sitting) at hand... I went to the hardware store and bought some pipe insulation, cut a few holes in it, and saved tons of $$ on a fancy slip-on from the music stores.
GoodWinds
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-03-29 13:38
Steve's recommendation is the correct one, try several until you find the one that works for you. That's the only way you will find the best one for you. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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