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From an R13 to a Selmer Recital

Author: Joe M.
Date: 2015-01-09 09:27

I am an old beginner with 12 months on the clock. I started with a second hand Artley 18S Bb so I know all about leaky pads, bent keys and blowing overtones!

Eight months ago I got a teacher and bought an R13 Bb. Currently it's at the importers to check out a faint crack in the number 1 thrill hole on the upper joint.

I have meanwhile received an "as new" seasoned Selmer Recital which I bought at an excellent price. My teacher is not available for a while in the new year so I am trying to cope on my own. As a beginner, my question is this.

I find that the embouchure I have developed for the R13 is a disaster for the Recital. At first I thought that the recital just had a lot more air resistance, especially in the lower clarion range where it seemed to choke up on pieces which the R13 plays with ease, but actually it only needs a little bit more air to get a great sound.

What it doesn't like is any pressure on the reed. Anything more than the slightest touch chokes the sound. I need to consciously blow higher on the mouthpiece and "freeze" my lower lip. When I do, the instrument plays beautifully. I expected that the differences in weight, bore and key geometry would cause me problems (they have) but I'm surprised that my embouchure - which my teacher considers to be good - has to be altered so dramatically. I thought that once you form a decent embouchure it would allow you to play any clarinet alike especially as the reed and mouthpiece I use are the same.

What worries me most is that switching between these two beautiful instruments at will, may not be possible, especially since I am a beginner. Am I missing something?

I use a 2 1/2 Vandoren reed and a Vandoren B45 mouthpiece for both clarinets.

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From an R13 to a Selmer Recital new

Joe M.

2015-01-09 09:27