 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kienle51
Date: 2014-05-22 08:45
Hello, I'm a new starter on clarinet, and about to get a student clarinet soon
Now I'm quite confused and don't know what kind of reed I should buy. So far I've read that different kinds of reed are well-suited for a certain mouthpiece. Is this true?
Reed design & reed strength are different right?
Can you guys give me some suggestions please.
Thank you
Kien Le
Post Edited (2014-05-22 08:52)
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Author: pewd
Date: 2014-05-22 17:31
I'd suggest you avoid Yamaha mouthpieces.
Try a Fobes 'Debut', and a Vandoren (blue box) #3.0 reed.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Bruno
Date: 2014-05-22 18:41
I suggest that you don't buy another mpc until you have played on the Yamaha for long enough to understand the characteristics of the mpc, the clarinet, and the reeds you are using.
About reeds; buy a small box of #2 reeds. Don't burden yourself as a beginner with stiffer reeds that you can't possibly use successfully.
Select a good brand so when you encounter difficulties, you won't be wondering whether it's you or the reed.
Vandoren blue box reeds are good. I understand the new Rico orange box reeds are, also.
And good luck!
bruno>
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Author: gwie
Date: 2014-05-22 19:40
The Yamaha 4C isn't a terrible mouthpiece...they're very "middle of the road" as far as beginning equipment goes. If you are set on getting a new mouthpiece though, the Clark Fobes Debut is an excellent choice as is Bradford Behn's Overture model.
I'd start with a softer reed at the beginning until your embouchure muscles develop, so nothing stiffer than a Vandoren Blue Box 2.0. If that is too much initially, Rico Mitchell Lurie 2.0 or 2.5 (both which are softer by comparison to Vandoren blue box) is also a good choice and they are quite consistent.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-05-22 22:09
There is absolutely nothing at all wrong with a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece for learning on, it is widely used here in the UK.
Advice on reed strengths already given are sound, Vandoren blue box #2 sounds about right for starters.
Please please don't get hung up with all the puffery about reeds and mouthpieces you may see on this board which is populated very largely by clarinet nerds who spend much of their time just talking about such things.
As a learner get some good lessons from a decent teacher for starters and just concentrate on learning to play the equipment you have in your hands.
If in say 4 years time you feel an irresistible need to join the nerd fraternity then that's plenty soon enough to do it.
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