 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2014-05-23 03:43
I am addicted to the dark sound of the M30 and would like something similar for the basset horn (Buffet).
I have only tried two mp:s. Vandoren B40 (long tip rail) is closer to what I want than B44 (short tip rail). The latter makes me think I am a saxophone player.
Suggestions appreciated. I found J&D Hite, Grabner, Fobes with google but cannot tell their playing characteristics from the descriptions.
Post Edited (2014-05-23 23:51)
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2014-05-23 20:34
You may want to re-post this under the title "M30 sound-alike basset horn mouthpiece"...BBoard participants tend to be more interested in, and passionate about, basset horns versus alto clarinets.
My alto clarinet mouthpiece of choice is a Selmer C-star. I've not tried it on a basset horn, though.
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2014-05-24 12:49
I've played B40s and the Hite on Basset Horns. I liked the B40 the best. I would caution against trying specifically for a "dark" sound on the basset horn, and just allow the horn to sound ... "basset hornish". It should have that slightly reedy, nasal sound that we all like. Don't be afraid of the inherent buzz; that is integral to the proper sound.
Start with a tried and true set up and shape the sound with your embouchure as needed. The same can be said for any clarinet.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-05-25 01:19
I think the recording acoustic has a lot of effect here.
First sample has basset very closely mic'ed which does it's tone no favours whilst second sample is recorded further back in a very generous (almost bathroom) acoustic.
Also the models of instrument sound quite different and I suspect the second player is a more "regular" basset player than the first.
I agree with Dave's post - the basset should sound like a basset but I may be biased as my instrument is an older narrow bore Selmer played with a Bb clarinet mouthpiece.
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2014-05-25 02:11
Norman, I agree about the difference in accoustics. Still, a room effect does not change the character of the sound *that* much. The first guy is playing a Leblanc instrument using what appears to be a quite soft reed. But I have listened to good sounding Leblanc BH:s as well, for instance "Swiss Clarinet Players":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnvxAYXWeIA
Here is another clip of the Rolla concert with "clarinet" sound and a little better recording quality than the bathroom one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIt6H7EMLmo
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2014-05-25 05:40
What a nice piece! I've never heard it before.
First guy: Close mic, soft reed, but still nice playing.
Second guy: Better set up, boomy room, nice playing.
Third guy: My favorite.
Basset horns vary greatly. I've played old Leblancs, Selmers, and the new Buffets. The Buffets play like a dream.
Here's a video of me and my friend reading a Mozart duet on a brand new pair of Buffets. We had just opened them, slapped a sax reed on them and got to playing. Tuning isn't perfect and in the second video I jacked the last note... Anyway, we are both playing B40s. To me it sounds a little clarinety.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geG4jHNu9ms
I'm the guy on the left...
Post Edited (2014-05-25 05:41)
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2014-05-26 02:48
Well played, Dave! The B40 is the mouthpiece that gets shipped with the Buffet basset horn, and it gives a clarinet sound, which I think you demonstrated.
I am not unhappy with the B40, but mouthpieces are so significant that I want to know the available alternatives.
Besides starting this thread, I mailed some mouthpiece makers. Clark Fobes has responded and thinks his San Fransisco Alto mouthpiece might fit my needs. He has a return option so I might try it.
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Author: Simon Aldrich
Date: 2014-05-26 05:54
>The B40 is the mouthpiece that gets shipped with the Buffet basset horn
Interesting. Here in Canada, when we receive new Buffet basset horns, they are shipped with a 5RV mpc. In my opinion, the 5RV is the most "playable" of the Vandoren basset horn/alto clarinet mouthpieces.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-06-06 02:34
With my low fi computer set up there was not a huge difference but on balance I prefer No.1
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2014-06-06 02:45
I prefer recording number 3, but number 1 was a close second.
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2014-06-09 22:32
Interesting... I'll wait a few more days before disclosing which mouthpiece belongs to each recording.
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2014-06-17 00:36
The mouthpieces in each recording were:
1. B44
2. B40
3. 5RV
Among these, B40 is by far most similar to M30. I still don't like the sound of the low clarion tones.
The 5RV is easy to articulate (small opening) but lacks IMO some tone quality in the low chalumeau register (shorter facing).
I can't stand the saxophone sound of the B44.
Taste is personal...
Hopefully I will receive another MP within a week and add a contender.
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