 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-11-15 19:51
Just putting out there, tried another of the M-series mouthpieces, and once again was pleased by the results.
For what it's worth, I've played at various times, the M30, M15, and just recently got an M13-lyre. On all three I used a Legere Signature reed size 4.
The M15 is what I've used mostly for the past year, and the size 4 is a little soft for it. Really REALLY focused sound, good articulation, very easy to blow through (freeblowing), and flexible enough after practice to do whatever bends or smears you might need. But the size 4 JUST manages to get out of control every now and then (I think a harder reed would solve that).
The M30 plays very much like the M15, with the articulation being a little less precise as the M15 (not necessarily "bad", just different).
The M13-lyre seems to go much better with a legere sig. number 4. There's more backpressure, but not enough to make it unplayable. And I'm from the camp that a little backpressure is a "good" thing when playing. It helps me ease into altissimo notes, big leaps over registers, and helps with circular breathing (a work in progress, but MUCH easier for me to keep a consistent sound when working with backpressure). The articulation is fine, and on all three bends and smears are fine.
I'm starting to get to the point where I feel I can play on ANY mouthpiece, and it's just little things here or there that make it a little easier or harder. I'm starting to feel like I need to take that advice of "pick one, throw the rest away, and hit the practice room." But I love trying out new mouthpieces...
So to recap, so far, I've been very impressed with the vandoren M-series mouthpieces. And at $85 each, I think they're darned good quality and worth checking out if you don't want to/can't spend the money, play in adverse weather/climates that you want to take precautions from ruining a custom mouthpiece, or just want an easily replaceable mouthpiece or something you can buy a lot of to one per horn.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Ed
Date: 2011-11-15 20:45
While I generally like these, my big complaint is that they can tend to play a little flat, especially in the throat.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-11-15 21:48
Thanks Ed. I'll double check that tomorrow. I just threw it on and tuned open G, clarion G, and used it during rehearsal. I'll double check the tuning throughout tomorrow.
Alexi
PS - The sound was more "flute-like" if that makes sense. Less Harold Wright, more Eddie Daniels tone quality.
US Army Japan Band
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