 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Steve Merrony
Date: 2014-05-06 11:39
I think the time has come to invest in a new instrument; my beloved B&H Imperial 926 B-flat is showing its age now and after 30-odd years sterling service it's time for a change.
This is not the usual 'which clarinet is best' question... My problem is how to try new clarinets - after so long being constrained to B&H 926 mouthpieces I don't know what mouthpiece(s) I should be using to try out new instruments with? It seems to me that changing mouthpiece is as big a deal as changing instruments and I have to do both at the same time, thereby increasing my chances of making a decision I might come to regret.
Any suggestions?
Steve
http://www.stephenmerrony.co.uk
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-05-06 11:47
I have a pair of 926 Imperials on which I have used a multitude of mouthpieces. Any standard french style mouthpieces that is suitable for you will work on it. I discarded the 926 mouthpiece very soon after acquiring the clarinet. If you are happy playing your Imperial, why not try it with other mouthpieces and get it repadded or restored. The 1010 Imperial limits your choice of mouthpieces, but not the 926.
Tony F.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-05-06 12:33
I agree. You really only want to concentrate on one big change at a time. If you change mouthpieces (and reeds ?????) how do you know that you are getting a clarinet that you like?
...........Paul Aviles
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2014-05-06 12:33
Hi Steve,
I suggest you make a trip to Howarth and try the instruments that they have there as well as trying a selection of the very many mouthpieces that they offer. Their website is quite comprehensive so you could think about what you might like to try before making the journey.
Peter Cigleris
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Author: Steve Merrony
Date: 2014-05-06 12:45
Thanks for the thoughts so far.
By the way, the 926 mouthpiece is not a standard bore so cannot be easily swapped for any french-style one - a quick search on here verifies that fact. Let's not dwell on that.
I am going to Dawkes next weekend to try a few combinations out and maybe on to Howath's the following week.
I wonder if I should really be asking what current mouthpieces are similar in response to a (good) 926 one?!
Steve
http://www.stephenmerrony.co.uk
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Author: Dibbs
Date: 2014-05-06 13:34
I'd contact Ed Pillinger and explain your dilemma to him.
http://www.pillingermouthpieces.co.uk
He makes great mouthpieces and knows all about B&H instruments and mouthpieces.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-05-06 23:10
Several professional UK players who swapped from 926s to French instruments back in the 70s/80s carried on using their 926 mouthpieces on the new Buffets or Leblancs etc. Len Foster of Halle/BBC Northern Symphony orchestras certainly told me he had.
The 926 bore has a shallower taper than most boehm style mouthpieces but on other hand there is an equally large diversity within the typical boehm model mouthpieces.
You just have to try them and see how it works for you.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-05-07 08:43
Hi Steve,
Reading the posts about 926 mouthpieces does show that B & H designed them specifically for the 926 Imperial, but they fit within the range of measurements found across the range of french-style mouthpieces generally available. The Imperial shares its bore and keywork with the Edgware and Emperor models. They, like the Imperial, will play well with french-style mouthpieces and most do. On my favourite Bb Imperial I get better results on my Korg tuner with a Rico X0 or Selmer 85-115 than with a 926, and I've never used a 926 on any of my Emperors or Edgwares, although I have several. I have quite a number of B & H instruments and mouthpieces in my collection. Some tune better than others, but I've not found the 926 to be appreciably better than other mouthpieces of my choice. Your mileage may vary.
Tony F.
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Author: Hurstfarm
Date: 2014-05-07 21:58
If you're planning a trip to Dawkes, worth checking beforehand that your visit will be on a day when Anton Weinberg (their resident mouthpiece expert) is in the shop. If you speak to him first to explain your dilemma, the chances are that he will have some useful advice for you, and likely line up some things to try when you visit. For the avoidance of doubt, I have no connection with Dawkes other than as an occasional customer!
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Author: Steve Merrony
Date: 2014-05-10 20:13
I've been and gone and done it!
The clarinet clinic at Dawkes today was very interesting although I was a little surprised to find three other people there in very similar situations to me - blown out B&H instruments but scared to change.
I have (on approval) a Yamaha CSGIIIL and a Rico Reserve X5.
On Prof. Weinberg's recommendation I first tried the Rico on my B&H 926s - it was a bit of a revelation! That gave me the confidence to try out several clarinets. One of the CSGIIILs jumped out at me from the pack as having a rounder tone and being slightly freer blowing than the others - in the end, rather like getting a dog, I'm not sure if I chose it or it chose me :-)
Much work to do now getting rid of 30 years ingrained intonation compensation.
Very happy though. Thanks everyone for your input.
Steve
http://www.stephenmerrony.co.uk
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