 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Anna Cormack
Date: 2014-02-14 05:18
Hey Im Anna and I currently play in a high school band. I play the buffet e11, and its great and all but i really want something just to make it better? Like a mouthpiece or barrel maybe even reeds..... And anything to help reach those altissimo notes and to help with projection! Any suggestions that wont cost a thousand dollars for a new clarinet?
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2014-02-14 05:39
Hi Anna,
I'm pretty sure the bulletin board (BB) members will want to know:
1) what kind of mouthpiece you are using;
2) the brand name and strength number of your reed;
3) what type of ligature you are using.
4) Is your barrel "stock" which means that it came with your E11?
5) How many years have you been playing?
6) Do you have a private teacher?
I believe the more we know, the more the BB members will be able to help you.
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-02-14 00:42
+1
also run search or go back a couple pages, this has been asked many times good luck.
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Author: Anna Cormack
Date: 2014-02-14 01:06
1) what kind of mouthpiece you are using;
The mouthpeice is also a stock mouthpiece
2) the brand name and strength number of your reed;
vandoren 3
3) what type of ligature you are using.
traditional style
4) Is your barrel "stock" which means that it came with your E11?
yes
5) How many years have you been playing?
4 years
6) Do you have a private teacher?
No but one on one lessons with band director sometimes
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-02-14 01:14
B45 (used one 20-35$ on eBay), Rovner Star or Mark III (12-19$)
VD Traditionals are fine; you might wanna try V12 or Rico Grand Concert Evolution next time you need to order reeds.
Most importantly get a good teacher.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2014-02-14 07:49
A mouthpiece might make a difference (or not). You'd need to try several and see if any of them helps you. The reeds you're using are fine if #3 is the right strength for your mouthpiece. Barrels can have subtle effects on response and sometimes tone, but generally not huge ones.
The problem is that if the way you play (embouchure, use of air, the shape you form inside your mouth, tongue position) isn't contributing to a good sound, projection and good altissimo notes, then none of the equipment changes you make are going to do much. The first place to make the changes you're looking for is in your own technique and approach. So, the suggestion that a good private teacher would be the best help is a good one.
Equipment can only make things easier to do. It doesn't make anything happen on its own. If your band teacher is a clarinetist, or even a woodwind player, he may be able to help if you tell him what you want to improve. If he's a brass, keyboard or percussion player he may still have a lot to teach you about music and musical expression, but he won't have the first hand experience of playing the clarinet well.
Karl
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Author: seabreeze
Date: 2014-02-14 08:16
This question has been asked a million times but the answers can vary simply because new mouthpieces keep coming out. If you can afford to pay around a hundred dollars, you can get a Rico Reserve mouthpiece either in the medium facing X5 or in the close facing X0. Try both with different strength reeds before you buy.
These are good enough to play in an orchestra or first chair in a college band or wind ensemble. They are much better than the Vandoren B45 which is too open for inexperienced players to control and doesn't help them develop a good minimum-pressure embouchure. The Rico Reserve has many excellent qualities. It performs well at all dynamic levels, has a strong vibrant core sound that isn't too bright, and holds the tone well in fast articulation.
Other good mouthpieces roughly in this price range (if you shop around) are the Vandoren M13 lyre, and the M15. Try these too. Both are used extensively by professional orchestral clarinetists but can be played by intermediate or advanced beginners. Try before you buy!
If you want something more basic and cheaper, try Brad Behn's Overture mouthpiece or Clark Fobes' Debut. They are responsive and easy to deal with and will help you develop good playing habits as you advance in skill.
If you are still playing on the Buffet mouthpiece that comes with the clarinet, you should find any of the mouthpieces listed above both an objective (from the listeners' point of view) and subjective improvement.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-02-14 11:56
I've found that the Hite Premier to be an amazingly good mouthpiece, giving close to professional standards at a very modest price. The Fobes Debut is also very good. Neither of these will cost you a great deal, but don't let that put you off, they are very good indeed. if you want to spend more, the Rico Reserve is pretty good. You could spend a lot more, but these will be a good starting point without breaking the bank. Barrels can certainly make a difference, but many professionals are perfectly happy to play on the stock Buffet barrel. Lessons from a good teacher would be the best way to go before pursueing the mouthpiece barrel options
Tony F.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2014-02-15 01:25
If you were to come to me for lessons,
I'd have you try Fobes Nova, Vandoren 5rV-Lyre, and Vandoren M13 mouthpieces, and pick the best one.
See if you can play test a few at a local music store.
I'd also probably have you move up to a Vandoren 3.5 reed, or a Rico Grand Concert select, also in 3.5.
You might also try a Rovner 'dark' or Luyben ligature.
But, only change one item at a time.
Good luck.
If you can find a good local private teacher that would be helpful.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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