 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bassclgirl92
Date: 2013-08-01 22:59
I have been playing bass clarinet for about 6 years. Having recently bought a nice new Yamaha YCL-22, which plays quite well, I've come to realize that the stock mouthpiece, a Yamaha 4C, is extremely lacking. I'm trying to pick out a new mouthpiece, but I'm having a bit of a hard time understanding the open tip vs. closed tip, differences due to length, and the facing that varies between mouthpieces. I'm looking for not only a better sound overall, but more ease in playing in the upper register, as well as more control of articulating on the instrument. So, would anyone have a mouthpiece in mind, or even just the specifications that I should look for, that
1. Allows for greater sound and "speak" in upper register
2. Maintains ease of playing
3. Will allow for overall rich, open sound in all registers, and won't sacrifice one for the other
4. Allows for improved articulation?
I even emailed Clark Fobes, and he said I would like a "CF" mouthpiece, but I don't even know what that means! Haha. Anything would be appreciated!
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Author: Bill Patry
Date: 2013-08-01 23:18
Dear Bass clarinet girl:
I imagine many people will tell you that much depends on the rest of your set up: type of bass, your embouchure, reeds, ligature, etc. I have about 45 bass mouthpieces, many vintage, some new. They are all different, even among the same maker. For example, I have three Kanter bass mouthpieces, all different (two of them newer), as well as 7 Kaspars, 7 vintage Selmers, and 3 Lelandais, one of which is an Artistic Facing. I also have a Clark Fobes, a Walter Grabner/Lawrie Bloom, and two of Morrie Backuns. Any of these might work quite well for you.
I usually play on a newer Kanter because for me it satisfies the four criteria you set out, but in the past I have been very happy with others. In the end, there is simply no substitute for trying different mouthpieces with your set up.
I am happy to talk to you about any of these, if you email me.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2013-08-02 05:25
Mouthpieces are so individual that you really have to try several to determine what's best for you. I always recommended people try several Selmer C#,most mail order stores will send you 3-4 on a trial basis. Although they are inconsistant, what isn't, if you find one you like, they're really good. If not you can go to Dave McClune's web sight and order one from him or send him your C# to be voiced. My other favorite is the Fobes RR facing, that's been my back up for years. The only way you will know what fits you best is to try several.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: super20bu6
Date: 2013-08-02 10:44
I have two of Clark Fobes' mouthpieces....and like them both. I use a Nova on my Leblanc Bass...and use a San Francisco CF on my Orpheo. While he no longer offers a trial period if you buy directly from him, other sites do offer a trial period so I do agree with Bill and Ed above.....try some on trial. I, too, have contacted Mr Fobes and he is also quick to respond and has given me good suggestions. For what's worth, I use a Fobes on Contra Alto as well.
Good luck in your search!
Mark
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Author: super20bu6
Date: 2013-08-02 10:48
I have two of Clark Fobes' mouthpieces....and like them both. I use a Nova on my Leblanc Bass...and use a San Francisco CF on my Orpheo. While he no longer offers a trial period if you buy directly from him, other sites do offer a trial period so I do agree with Bill and Ed above.....try some on trial. I, too, have contacted Mr Fobes and he is also quick to respond and has given me good suggestions. For what's worth, I use a Fobes on Contra Alto as well.
Good luck in your search!
Mark
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2013-08-03 00:58
Ed,
Always "try everything and pick what you like" and never educating people on what the differences are and what has most effect on the OP's 4 needs. To be educated is to know why. You probably know why, since you've been in the business for a while, but not communicating that to others isn't all that helpful. I enjoy your other posts, just not this one ;-) All the best, Ed.
To the OP:
Switching to a hard rubber mouthpiece with a hand finished facing will go a LONG way towards all of the goals you mention.
No. 1, 2, and 4 can be accomplished by a medium close to close tip opening. Look at the rails of any mouthpiece you're checking out, the thicker they are, the slower response will be and ease of articulation. There is a point where they get too thin, you'll notice a bit of a squak and instability. Most mouthpieces out there are far from having rails that are TOO thin, it's more often the case that they are too thick.
No. 3 will be accomplished through a good material and good design. Selmer blanks are good, zinners are ok. Vandoren is still a big step up for you.
The problem with many factory made mouthpieces (vandoren, selmer, zinners (when they're sold without having any work done but a name stamped) is that the facings are sometimes questionable. If the table isn't flat, the facing is asymmetrical, rails too thick, etc. then you're going to have troubles.
That being said, they're all a step up from the Yamaha 4C!
Your best bet is to get one from a custom maker. I believe Fobes "Nova" is a bit less expensive, if price is a problem.
If you can find a cheap (under 100) selmer on that auction site, buy it and send it to be refaced. You can tell the refacer what you're having problems with and what you want. They will most likely be able to set you up well!
If you'd like recommendations for this, send me an email and I can give you some names. (some of you already know who I'd recommend...)
Best of luck!
-Nathan
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2013-08-03 01:59
Budget hints:
Behn Ouverture. Very easy on your chops and reeds.
Bundy Signature Hard Rubber. Great piece, really. Vintage only.
Fobes Debut and Nova: Same facing on either, bit more refined sound on the Nova.
Still gravitating around these, depending on mood, moon phase, reed, chops.
The 4C is okay but is about as inspiring as an '80s Toyota car.
--
Ben
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Author: William
Date: 2013-08-03 15:26
You really have to play the mouthpiece that works best for you and that involves a lot of necessary trial and error. However, fwiw, I have been extremely happy with my Walter Grabner bass mouthpiece. Might be worth your while to give him a try during your search.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2013-08-03 19:02
fwiw, I put most of my bass students on a Fobes Basso Nova
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2013-08-03 21:17
I'm sorry NBeaty but I don't know why. Everyone has different teeth formations, jaw strength, oral cavities, throat sizes, tongue sizes, over bites and underbites and the list goes on. Not to mention different concepts of what they want to sound like. I always had my students try many different mouthpieces before choosing the best for them. I've always stocked over a dozen clarinet mouthpieces and several bass mouthpieces for them to try. Sure I have my favorite's but many of my students used very different mouthpieces for them to sound and play their best. There are far to many reasons why one student needs one and another needs another.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: bassclgirl92
Date: 2013-08-04 03:48
Thanks a lot guys! I'm looking at the Fobes Nova. Price is an issue for me (I'm a college student getting by on what I make from being a supervisor at an amusement park, which isn't all that much) so I can't get anything too fancy. Either way, I figure anything's gotta be better than my stock 4C.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2013-08-04 22:29
Fobes Nova is certainly worth a try.
Ed P makes a great point. I have had mouthpieces in my drawer that did not work for me, yet were exactly the right fit for a student and enabled him/her to make great strides and really improve their playing and tone. Go figure.
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