 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BGBG
Date: 2015-08-09 02:19
I have been playing about a year and a half now and have a Buffet E11 intermediate Bb clariinet. I feel it may be time to explore mouthpieces and barrels for better sound but dont know where or how to begin. There IS a store nearby that one can go in with instrument and try different parts for a few hours to decide. But I dont know how to decide what to start with. Any suggestions?
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Author: kdk
Date: 2015-08-09 02:30
Try whatever Vandoren mouthpieces the store has in stock. I'd avoid the B40 or B45, but any of the others that are likely to be there should be OK and probably an improvement over what came with your clarinet. You will probably find one more comfortable than the others because it will better match the reeds you have.
If you're taking lessons, you should ask your teacher about this. If you aren't and you trust the store owner, you might ask what he recommends.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2015-08-09 03:35
I should also have said leave the barrel alone. You won't get enough bang for your buck to make barrel shopping worthwhile. Start with the mouthpiece, then reeds and way down the road, if you haven't yet replaced the instrument, try barrels.
Karl
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2015-08-09 04:19
Karl, Why do you advise against the B45? I know a number of excellent players who use it, and it is one of the recommended mouthpieces for many music teachers. Just curious.
Tony F.
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Author: as9934
Date: 2015-08-09 06:44
I also have an E11 and recently upgraded mouthpieces. For awhile I switched from the 5RV to the B45 that came with the instrument, which really helped me develop a good strong sound but now I play on a Vandoren Masters CL6 which is has helped me refine and sweeten my tone. I highly recommend all three of these mouthpieces, but they are not for everyone. Try as many as you can and see what you like best.
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: kdk
Date: 2015-08-09 08:02
It's only an opinion. I think it's too open for a player with only a year and a half of experience. But it's an opinion I wouldn't defend especially hard.
Karl
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-08-09 10:46
Yeah we just got the contrary opinion from Wes, but I too find the open mouthpieces a poor choice period. However, if you are looking for more "sound effects" that you can utilize in a pop/jazz medium, more open mouthpieces give you more options.
Here's what's at issue: Smaller tip openings make it easier to control pitch and timbre. As the tip opening increases, more of that steadiness must come from your embouchure. I just find it too much work.
.............Paul Aviles
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Author: CEC
Date: 2015-08-09 21:21
Try different facings and see what feels comfortable to you. Open and close facings each have their pluses and minuses. One man's "too much work" is another man's "lazy."
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