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Author: Bryan M. Yo.
Date: 2012-11-21 23:28
Hello Everyone!
I'm a highschool student playing lead clarinet in my Wind Orchestra class. I have been playing alto saxophone for 3-4 years and I decided to take up clarinet a couple months ago. Surprisingly enough, I got good at it pretty fast and my band director decided to put me in our Wind Orchestra class. In that class, we play pretty difficult music ( grade six's and sevens )and I need a large range to survive with the music ( Notes like F's , G's , A's ). I'm a saxophone player and I'm not really used to that register because I tend to crack alot. My Band Director ( who is a sax and clarinet player for a army band he is in ) recommended that I get thicker reeds ( My set up is basically A Dark Rovner Ligature, Traditional Vandoren 3's, and a Vandoren B45 ). He recommended that I play on Rico Grand Concert 3.5's because the thickness will help with the Higher register. I also know another professional clarinetist who also recommended the same reeds. Now my question to you guys is, will I make the right decision doing this? I want some feedback on Rico Grand Concert Traditional ( or Thick Blank ) reeds. Thank you!
Post Edited (2012-11-21 23:38)
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Author: kdk
Date: 2012-11-22 00:07
Vandoren Traditional, Grand Concert Regular and Thick Blank - they're all good reeds. There are also Vandoren V12 (thicker blank) and 56 Rue Lepic (also a thick blank model) and Rico Reserves and Reserve Classics. Ultimately, your choice will have to depend on which helps you most easily produce the results you're after. You may as well start with what your teacher recommends and see how it works for you.
BTW, my first reaction as I read your post was that a #3-1/2 of almost anything might be a little stiff on a B45 (they're at the top of Vandoren's recommended strength for that facing). Too stiff a reed can cause unstable high (altissimo) notes. Without hearing you (which would make a huge difference) I might be more inclined to suggest trying a thick blank #3 (either Vandoren V12 or Grand Concert Thick Blank - I'm personally more partial to the V12) or even #2-1/2. But, as I say, without hearing what the rest of your range sounds like with the reeds you're using, I can't be very confident about any recommendation. In any case the result will determine if whatever you try is a keeper or not.
Your high note problem may not be reed-related. There are issues of voicing and embouchure involved that may be more important for you to deal with. If you do much with high harmonics on a sax, you may understand the principles more clearly.
Karl
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Author: Bryan M. Yo.
Date: 2012-11-22 00:20
Well, on saxophone, My teacher told me to play with my bottom lip partially out to improve tone and I do the same on a clarinet. But my playing most of the time is airy . I can get the high register out, but It just tends to crack very often starting with the Eb. Even though my teacher uses V12 ( Im not sure what strength ) he told me to try Grand Concerts.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2012-11-22 01:35
I like the Grand Concert thick blank and the Reserve Classic reeds. But- that is not to say that they would work for you. There is only one way to know and that is to try them. For my taste, the B45 is pretty open and harder to control. I would suggest something more like the M13 lyre or the new Rico Reserve mouthpiece in the X0 or X5 facing. For my taste, that would help. If any shops near you stock mouthpieces, you might go try a bunch of things as see what works.
As the saying goes, your mileage may vary. They only way to know is to try.
Post Edited (2012-11-23 01:55)
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2012-11-22 02:02
Clarinet and sax embouchures are similar, but there are some subtle differences. Playing with your bottom lip partially out can work on a sax, but it doesn't work as well on clarinet. If you're not sure about the correct embouchure, check out this Michele Gingras video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SlFgO4Hi5k
I used to play on a B45 and I'm not a big fan, but it might work very well for you. I agree with Karl about 3 1/2 reeds. A softer reed like a 2 1/2 or 3 is probably a better choice for this mouthpiece.
If you're looking for a thicker reed, I'd stay away from Grand Concert Select regulars. I've never tried the GCS thick blank, although it might be excellent. Karl also recommended V12s, Rue Lepics, Rico Reserves, and Reserve Classics, and I second this advice.
I learned an interesting lesson last year when I was trying out new mouthpieces. Some reeds work very well some mouthpieces, but not well
with others. With a little trial and error, you should be able to find the reed that works best for you.
I like the Rovner Dark ligature, but again, it isn't the best choice in every situation. Once you find a reed that works for you, you might want to try out other ligatures. You might find that the Rovner is your best option, but there could be others that give you slightly better results.
Regarding the high notes--be patient. Do a lot of slow practice up there, taking it a note at a time. Karl gave you some good advice about voicing and embouchure, and I agree completely.
Post Edited (2012-11-22 02:05)
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Author: JHowell
Date: 2012-11-23 00:50
Big difference between sax and clarinet airstreams. Much more focused on clarinet, higher tongue position -- if you play like that on sax you'll get nothing BUT high register. I wouldn't go any harder than 3.5 trying to improve high register until you give yourself a bit more time to get used to the instrument.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2012-11-24 03:08
I agree with Ed, the only way you will know is to try a box. I've used the Thick Blanks for years, as well as the Reserves and Reserve classic when they came out. But I've always liked the Thick Blank, you may or may not. Try a box. The B45 is semi opened MP but if you're compy with it then stay with it. There's nothing wrong with using a semi opened MP, I do myself.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Maria P
Date: 2012-11-26 23:19
I've tried quite a few of the reeds mentioned - and I find the Grand Concert Select Thick Blank (3's) great. I use them with a Yamaha 450 and a Selmer C85 120 mouthpiece and find reaching the higher register quite easy, but also sound good on the lower register as well.
Maria
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-11-27 06:37
I also prefer Thick Blank reeds. A similar choice to them would also be Mitchell Lurie Premium. Another well made reed, similar feel to the Thick Blanks, slightly less resistance near the altissimo.
Drew S.
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Author: Ron Scholer
Date: 2012-11-27 13:30
I am very happy with the Vandoren 56, better sound and long lasting. However I play double lip. The Rico products don't hold up as long as the Grand Concerts. The 56's feels like harder fibers and you can push them when needed.
Custom mouthpiece 1.08 facing 4 strength.
BA, MA, MSE, MST
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2012-11-28 01:24
If your tone is airy now, just wait; you'll see what "airy" really is with a 3.5.
Learn to match the reed strength to the mouthpiece. You know that little slip of paper that comes with every box of Vandorens that we all throw away? Read it. It will tell you a lot about what reeds tend to work with each mouthpiece.
Also, let's clear up one thing that perhaps your band director doesn't realize. A 3.5 is not thicker than a 3.0. They are the same. What is different is the flexibility. Now a V12 IS thicker, but that on its own will NOT help your high notes. To me, the V12s are more pliable and buzzier than the Traditional Vandorens.
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