 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2012-07-12 00:17
I recently purchased a Bundy contra alto clarinet from the evil auction site for a very reasonable price. I'm pleased and anxious for it to arrive so that I can get started playing it (after adjustments, of course), but I'll need a mouthpiece. I'm not looking to spend a lot, since I'm just starting on the instrument and it's a student model, but I'd like to get up and running and sounding great as soon as possible.
So, I'm looking for contra alto mouthpiece suggestions that won't break the bank. (Note: I play Bb soprano on a Walter Grabner, but a Fobes SF for Eb, Fobes Novas for bass and alto). Also, I understand that there is some tenon size variation on various models that I need to be sensitive to (i.e., sometimes you buy a BBb contrabass mpc for a contralto?)
I'm leaning towards a Fobes Debut for BBb contra (will that fit?) or a Fobes Nova for EEb contra (I assume that it will fit), but very open to other suggestions.
Thanks in advance for your insights.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-07-12 00:41
A BBb mouthpiece has a larger tenon than an Eb mouthpiece. One won't fit the other.
I use custom contra mouthpieces made by Kalmen Opperman, but he passed away. I think Walter Grabner makes the best these days. They're not cheap, but you only buy one once.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2012-07-12 03:04
Ken Shaw wrote:
> A BBb mouthpiece has a larger tenon than an Eb mouthpiece. One
> won't fit the other.
>
Not in the case of Leblanc/Holton/Vito contras. The EEb and BBb instruments use the same mouthpiece with the same tenon size.
Selmer USA and Paris contras use different sized pieces.
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2012-07-12 04:43
For the Selmer USA/Bundy/Buescher contra-alto: Bundy mouthpiece, refaced. That's the budget ticket.
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2012-07-12 12:37
Fwiw (I'm an amateur), I own a Bundy model 1440 contra-alto, probably made in the mid-1980s. I bought it used with a Selmer C* mouthpiece that's probably the same vintage as the clarinet. This combination has suited me so well that I've never made a serious effort to find another mouthpiece, although having a backup would probably be a good idea.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: super20bu6
Date: 2012-07-20 13:49
Like Lelia, I own a Selmer/Bundy Contra. Mine came with a Selmer C* but I never felt the facing was even on it. I went to a Fobes EEb Nova and have no intentions of going back to the Selmer mouthpiece. Same as you Bradford, I use the Fobes Nova for my Bass Clarinets.
Contra is not something you can normally take to the local music store and try out various mouthpieces.....at least not in my area. As others have said, and you probably already know.....the Selmer/Bundy EEb Contras do NOT take the BBb mouthpieces.
Good luck in your Contra playing!
Mark
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2012-07-21 02:23
Thanks for all of the help and input. I have a refaced Bundy mouthpiece on the way from a knowledgeable expert, and I'll let you know how it goes once I receive it.
I love my Fobes' Novas, but really felt it was time to try something new (and cheaper!)....and I'm just not quite ready for the Walter Grabner option (but I do love my current soprano piece by him).
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Author: Ed
Date: 2012-07-21 02:28
You certainly can't go wrong with Clark Fobes products. He makes a great mouthpiece and his customer service is top notch.
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2012-07-23 17:03
Thanks again for all of the suggestions. I strongly considered the Grabner and the Fobes options, but decided that since I'm exploring contra alto on a pretty tight budget, that I'd stick with my "value options"....and, wow, I'm glad that I did.
After his comment, I asked David Spiegelthal about a refaced Bundy, and he had one he was willing to part with. I received it over the weekend and spent a very enjoyable couple of hours playing contra alto. I'm a fan of the Fobes Nova on low clarinets (I use them on bass annd alto), but I found Mr. Spiegelthal's refaced Bundy 'piece to be at least as good -- possibly better! And definitely cheaper!
I've turned up my nose at Bundy mouthpieces before, but with some Spiegelthal magic, it's a really good 'piece! Thanks Dave!
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