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Author: Vova Doob(UA)
Date: 2012-07-26 19:20
Hi!
For 10 years I play on Vandoren 5RV lyre mouthpiece. But last year I started to play Jazz and find that this mouthpiece is closed for jazz for me. I also played alto sax on Otto Link metal 7* mouthpiece and it was better for jazz than other closed tip mouthpieces..........
Please, tell me what are the main differences between classical and jazz type mouthpieces.
Thank You!
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Author: MarlboroughMan
Date: 2012-07-26 19:43
There is really no such thing as a "jazz" mouthpiece--only a mouthpiece played by a jazz musician.
My advice: experiment with anything you can get your hands on. I've played jazz on all kinds of equipment--including custom mouthpieces made from Zinner blanks, German mouthpieces, Vandoren's, Pomarico crystals, wooden mouthpieces, etc. Despite all those, the one I'm using most right now is a Selmer C85 105--not particularly open, but it works well for me, and yields the things I want for playing jazz.
For another player, it might not work at all.
Hope this helps.
Eric
******************************
The Jazz Clarinet
http://thejazzclarinet.blogspot.com/
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Author: Lorenzo_M
Date: 2012-07-26 20:01
I second Eric's statement. I also play Jazz (though these days am trying to get my classical chops back up to snuff). I used any number of mouthpieces, but ultimately end up using whatever "classical" mouthpiece I happen to be using. In this case, it's a Chris Hill Henri Chedeville. Prior to that, it was a Clark Fobes Cicero model.
Saxophone is a little different...the "jazz" sound was defined by a few iconic players and popular mouthpiece designs, and current "jazz" mouthpieces are informed by those designs. There is no single iconic design for a "jazz" clarinet mouthpiece as far as I know.
Generally, makers will market a very open, higher baffle piece as a "jazz" piece. Don't be lured by this, this is not really that necessary. As Eric suggested, just try everything possible until you find something comfortable to play that gives you the sound you're looking for.
Your choice of piece will be determined by what sound you are trying to get to.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2012-07-26 23:42
I always understood that a somewhat more open lay with a softer reed made it easier to bend notes and gliss etc which seems more prevalent in jazz than classical playing but apart from that I agree there is probably not a Jazz mouthpiece as such.
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Author: Lorenzo_M
Date: 2012-07-27 00:09
Norman Smale wrote:
> I always understood that a somewhat more open lay with a softer
> reed made it easier to bend notes and gliss etc which seems
> more prevalent in jazz than classical playing but apart from
> that I agree there is probably not a Jazz mouthpiece as such.
>
It's true. That combination does lend itself to more flexibility, but a Vandoren B45 (for example) has a somewhat open facing and a fairly flexible response. It requires a strong airstream and embouchure to play with controlled pitch and intonation. It's marketed as a "classical" mouthpiece.
You can do gliss and wide bends with a smaller mouthpiece and a harder reed. It may have a ceiling on how wide you can bend the pitch before it gives out.
The design of the mouthpiece beyond just facing length and tip opening is important to consider. There is also the chamber, baffle, and progression of the curve that contribute to how a mouthpiece responds. And of course, how all of that interacts with your own personal playing concept/style.
So again, there is no real iconic "jazz" mouthpiece per se as there is for saxophone. Many people who market such a thing generally mean very open and/or high(er) baffle designs. The piece that results is usually a very flexible and bright(er) sound with great projection. That kind of sound can be done on a mouthpiece that's not super-open and high baffle.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2012-07-27 00:36
I agree that unlike sax, for the most part there is not quite such a division. There are many great jazz players who use setups that would be suitable in any classical setting. Last I knew, Eddie Daniels set up was very typical of a closer long facing. I was told he uses the same mouthpiece for either genre.
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Author: ned
Date: 2012-07-27 01:39
And again.............there is no such thing as a jazz mouthpiece.
But if you want to use a MP favoured by some jazz players try the Vandoren 5JB. The Meyer is also good - I use one now - it's a wide lay for volume, tone, projection.....etc. I'm probably going to move away from the 5JB actually, but it may suit you.
Most retailers here in Australia will allow you to try out MPs whilst in the shop - albeit but briefly.
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Author: William
Date: 2012-07-27 15:02
Jazz refers to a style rather than a sound. Every musician, no matter what venue, has their own sound, but they are defined by how they use it--classical, pop, rock, rap or.....jazz. And any "sound" is good enough.....if you are, good enough. Find a mouthpiece that produces the sound you seek and then, practice until you learn how to use it well.
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