 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-09-19 03:44
My band director finally got some mouthpieces for us to try! Over the next few days i will be posting my impressions of the three mouthpieces i will be trying, a Vandoren b40 lyre 13 series, an m30 13 series and a b45 13 series and comparing them to my 5rv lyre and b45.
B40 lyre (with legere signature 3.25, daddario reserve classic 3, and rico grand concert select thick 3.5 reeds, rovner lig on my e11): This mouthpiece is a nice medium between my b45 and 5rv lyre. With the legere it was easy to control (unlike the b45 or 5rv), homogenous through the registers, and had a good sound. Articulations and scales were crisp without losing tone, and long notes where smooth from low a to the altissimo high f#. The legere also tended to make notes a little flat. The grand concert thicks did not produce the same effects but did bring out the charecteristic buffet ringing sound. These reeds are probably to hard for this mouthpiece. The reserve classics where more akin to the legere but had a deeper richer tone quality but slightly sharper intonation. There was an improvement on the low end with these reeds allowing me to play down to low e with relativley good tuning and tone (excluding the low f which is pretty poor.) I did feel like the mouthpiece was more tiring to play but not harder . Overall Iike this mouthpiece alot and might consider switching sometime soon. 8.75/10
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature
Post Edited (2014-09-21 05:40)
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Author: avins
Date: 2014-09-20 15:31
I was also quite lucky to have the opportunity to try out various MPc at the store together with my Leger 3.25. and 3 1/5 . I quite liked the b40 lyre with the 3.25 but I found the 3 1/2 with the m30 to give me the perfect results, at least for now, on R13.
Avins
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2014-09-21 18:19
did you check rail widths, symmetry, etc, ? thanks.
richard smith
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Author: TomS
Date: 2014-09-21 19:49
I've been using M30 and M30-lyre with Legere, V12s and Blue Box while playing in large Community Bands with a rather unrestrained dynamic ceiling. Sitting next to younger, larger, more aggressive players using B45-lyre and louder MPs. Some have the finesse of a dump truck and can play louder than a trombone. Not so bad technically, mind you, just mostly LOUD! Always, IMHO, at least two dynamic levels higher than what I'd consider normal. Of course, we have three school buses full of trumpets, saxophones and baritones to match. But, everyone has lots of fun!
The last few weeks I've landed a sub position in a smaller, professional ensemble and changed my setup to an M13 and Legere regular cuts, 3 and 3.25. Warm and responsive, compact, beautiful sound and trouble free. Won't play super loud, but loud enough. I think the Legere work better on closer facing MPs.
If your ensemble is not terribly large and loud, a MP like the Vandoren M13 might improve your range, control, comfort and articulation. Give your self a few days to adapt to it, and find the best reeds. It will grow on you. And, being Legere friendly, I think that's a big bonus!
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Author: William
Date: 2014-09-21 19:50
I would say forget the brand names and how they all "look"--the most important criteria is how well any mouthpiece plays for you. Look for ease of articulation in all registers and how loud it plays without compromising tone quality (important for dynamic expression). You should be able to play pp and forte without losing tonal focus.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-09-22 10:21
Well, there are some pretty poorly made mouthpieces out there. Some "brands" are just better in terms of them putting out a consistent product that is also a good value like for example, oh I don't know, maybe Vandoren.
It is easy to spend a LOT of money on mouthpieces. If you want to try all the esoteric makers, and money is no object, there are a lot of decent mouthpieces amongst them, no question. But practically speaking you don't need to spend a small fortune to get a really good mouthpiece and perhaps that is the thrust of the above advice.
BUT I would not say any ol' thing that looks like a mouthpiece will play well, and I would not waste my time trying to make one work if it were some molded plastic, no name thing that someone grabbed out of a box of mouthpieces from the back of the store.
...............Paul Aviles
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-09-25 05:45
So I finally got some play time with the m30 13 series yesterday and I enjoyed it alot. I played this mouthpiece with rico grand concert select thick 3.5 reeds (I broke my legere *sobbing and swearing ensues*) which I found to be the perfect strength. Articulation was crisp throught dynamics and registers, and tuning was much improved throughout. Some of the lower chamleau notes did not have the resonance of the b40 or my b45, and the articulation of these notes was a little muddy but not as much so as my b45. Upper chamleau, clarion and altissimo spoke fine and shifts between registers was homogenous. This also proved to be a good jazz mouthpiece with easier high register playing, and improved tonal control. Glissandos and vibrato were easy and clear and were easy to control. I do feel that this mouthpiece lacks the resonance of the b40 but it has better control and response. Ideally I would like to achieve a balance between these two which I hope to find in the vandoren masters cl5 or rico reserve x10 mouthpieces when I get a chance to try them. Overall I enjoyed this mouthpiece a lot and may consider using it in the future. 8.75/10.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-09-25 06:49
But the great news about the Legere is you can just go buy another!
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: seabreeze
Date: 2014-09-26 10:54
While you're trying new mouthpieces, try the new Reserve X10E. Though this may have been produced with the European market in mind ("E" for European), this model and the more open Reserve X15E (which Julien Herve of the Rotterdam Philharmonic plays) may have considerable appeal for American clarinetists who like more open facings. I'm not sure of exactly what changes were made in the design of the Reserve E models, but for me they have a cooler, more sophisticated timbre than the original models. The facings are much too open for my taste, but I have a good mouthpiece tech put closer facings (tip opening of 1.01 or 1.02 mm) on them and I like them just fine that way--very resonant, focused and colorful with a strong fff, a nice and easy ppp and everything in between.
Post Edited (2014-09-27 04:41)
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-09-26 16:56
But doesnt the e model tune to 442?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature
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Author: DSMUSIC1
Date: 2014-09-28 01:45
I pulled out my old Crystal Selmer Clarion HS** today. Decided to put this recording up on my channel of Bela Kovacs Hommage a M. de Falla.
Although I normally play on a Kanter D facing mouthpiece, this particular mouthpiece is always a joy to play.
I am playing 3 1/2 Rico Evolution reeds on this piece. I regularly get 6-7 reeds per box to play with this reed friendly mouthpiece. I haven't always been this lucky with other crystals though.
Play this through decent speakers. I am not using any sound enhancement or reverb. Just straight tone on my hand-held HD camera at home in my studio. One take.
It has been my experience that some mouthpieces are just more "reed-friendly" than others, so this should also be a consideration when choosing a mouthpiece.
I always thought that a good mouthpiece should feel good immediately. Getting "used to" a mouthpiece never worked for me.
I have a wonderful Chedeville mouthpiece that plays beautifully, but is it ever hard to find reeds for!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxgCSJzX1Nc
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-09-30 04:50
So unfortunately I was unable to try the B45 13 series as my band director sent them back. I still want to try out some masters mouthpieces as well as the new reserve X10 which from all accounts seems to be superb. I also am exploring the idea of vintage mouthpieces or a refacing on my current B45. The only experience I have had with a "vintage" mouthpiece was in 7th grade when I played a Selmer Signet with a Vandoren V360. At the time I thought it sounded awesome but in reality it was probably terrible. What can you guys tell me about vintage mouthpieces (where should I start, what to look for etc.)? What about refacing? Does anyone do low cost refacing of vandoren mouthpieces?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature
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Author: Ed
Date: 2014-09-30 05:09
Quote:
What can you guys tell me about vintage mouthpieces (where should I start, what to look for etc.)? What about refacing? Does anyone do low cost refacing of vandoren mouthpieces?
You can find vintage mouthpieces on the classifieds here, on other woodwind sites, ebay and countless clarinet and sax online shops such as those that deal with used instruments.
I would not worry about the names, but how they play. Unless you have the chance to try things out with the option of returning, you are buying the proverbial pig in a poke. Some are fine, some stink, some could use work. You can end up finding some that are lousy, which is why they are being sold. Just because the mouthpiece has a legendary name tells you nothing. To add to that, you can often find mouthpieces that have already been worked on and have been ruined by a lousy job.
There are a number of people out there who will reface and rework vintage pieces. In no particular order, off the top of my head- Brad Behn, Dave McClune, Richard Hawkins, Lee Livengood, Vytas Krass, Ramon Wodkowski, Walter Grabner and others all do refacing and mouthpiece work. You can find many people who have had positive experiences with each of them.
Personally, I would think about a few things. Decide exactly what you are missing or want in your current set up. It helps to be able to have a sense of your needs, rather than just aimlessly trying equipment. I would consider going to one of the fine craftsmen out there and let them help you find what you want/need and what fits you. There are a number who sponsor this site.
It is too easy to end up playing mouthpiece roulette and to be endlessly on the the search for the holy grail. Find something that is comfortable and that works for you and then practice and work reeds to it. The key is to practice and forget about the equipment.
Hope some of this helps. Good luck.
Post Edited (2014-09-30 16:06)
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Author: dmasz91
Date: 2017-11-02 08:53
I don't know what a legere is, but I just got and tried out an m13 mp and for me it's way worse than even my student level mouthpiece I've been using. It's not any easier to play the higher notes and worse, the sounds are muffled and not as loud. Also they are inconsistent throughout the registers. (3 /1/2 reed)
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