 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2016-02-12 23:24
Hi Everybody,
I'm going to upgrade from the stock mpc that came with my LeBlanc Eb and I'd like a little help. With my Bb, I use a Selmer C85 mpc that has a tip opening of 1.05 and a facing length of 18 or 19mm. #1 Should I stick with an Eb mpc that has a similar tip opening and facing length so that switching from one mpc to the other doesn't require a lot of adjustments on my part? #2 The Clark Fobes San Francisco mpc has a 15mm facing length and a .96mm tip opening. I've never tried a tip opening that thin so am curious as to what to expect. #3 I've noticed that most Eb mpc's I've looked at suggest about a #3 1/2 reed. I can barely play a #3 reed on my Bb and a #3 1/4 is impossible. If I can't play a #3 1/2 on a Bb will I be able to play it on an Eb? As always, thanks for your help!
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Author: dubrosa22
Date: 2016-02-13 00:29
For me, a lowly rank amateur, I typically play a 1/4 or 1/2 stronger reed on Eb than Bb. For that extra ping needed to be in tune in the higher registers. Different mpcs respond differently to reeds, and everyone is different.
My Bb mouthpiece is a Pillinger 45B (essentially a Vandoren B45) and my Eb is a Vandoren B44. So scale-wise the two setups are very alike.
My Esprit came with a Woodwind Co/LeBlanc Steelite Ebonite mpc (no facing number as such) and to be honest it is the best stock mpc I've ever encountered. The B44 is not much of an upgrade.
Probably best to trial as many as possible.
V
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Author: Ed
Date: 2016-02-13 00:50
No matter what, it won't feel like Bb. Just try to find a reed combination that is comfortable for you. For me, it depends on what I am playing. There seems to be a bit of a range I use. If the playing is all within reasonable range, I will use reeds that are a little softer so it blows freely with a comfortable response. If there is a lot of high register playing, I may go with a reed that is a little harder to support the highest notes a little better.
The facing numbers are a good place to start when looking at a mouthpiece, but depending on the interior dimensions and shape, sometimes a mouthpiece will blow quite differently than the numbers suggest. Clark's mouthpiece is very good and should give you good results.
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Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2016-02-13 02:16
The mouthpiece on an Eb has much bigger impact than on any other clarinet intonation wise, so I suggest you try as many mouthpieces as you can. Also barrel selection has a big impact.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2016-02-13 17:42
Practice on nothing but Eb for a week. It takes that long to get in the groove.
Then play exercises and etudes, switching between Eb and Bb every page, or even every line, until both feel natural.
Only when you're really comfortable can you choose the right mouthpiece.
As dubrosa22 sways, you might try a slightly stiffer reed, but that's a crutch. Bb and Eb should feel the same. You should be able to play in tune on the Eb even with a soft reed.
Ken Shaw
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-02-13 22:26
You may need to migrate away from the C85 on the Bb.
It is correct to think about your Eb being somewhat close to your Bb in tip opening.
Personally, I only recommend two mouthpiece manufacturers Walter Grabner and Clark Fobes. Both are master craftsmen, both are Eb players, as well, so they know what it will take. Call them, tell them what you need.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-02-13 23:28
I had a really great Eb setup until it was stolen. I like the the idea of the facings of the Bb and Eb "Feeling," close to each other, such as using the same strength reeds, similar embouchure, although there is a huge difference in size. I won't suggest what mouthpieces to use. Just go by feel and most of all tuning. The Eb mouthpieces can really make a difference in tuning. I didn't use the same brand of mouthpieces on the Eb and Bb, but again go with the feel. I had an older Selmer that tuned better than the Buffets at that time, but used Buffets for the Bb and A R13's. I used a Mitchell Lurie Eb which I refaced. The cost was free, because I was friends with Mitchell! The insides were really nice, produced a sweet sound. It had a deep baffle.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2016-02-13 23:37
Hi Ken Jarczyk, I'm curious as to why you recommend "migrating away from the C85 on the Bb." Would you mind explaining a bit more? Thank you:)
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-02-14 00:41
Roxann,
There probably will be many who disagree with me. However, I'm a stubborn but experienced oldster, who long ago was taught by other experienced stubborn oldsters, who in turn were taught... Their opinions and teachings have always held true to me.
For proper tone, intonation, phrasing, projection, you name it - you really need a stable vibrating reed in the 3-1/2 and up strength, in Vandoren terms, regardless of brand. That's just reality. The C85 seems too open for you, as you claimed in your post. You need a more closed mouthpiece.
Let's assume you make a decision for a quality custom mouthpiece, a Clark Fobes San Francisco CWF (or the CF) Bb mouthpiece is a .96 opening, perfect for a 3-1/2 or higher reed. The CWF is an absolutely wonderful mouthpiece. Try one, and then you shall see (and hear).
Now, you wish to have an Eb mouthpiece that has a relatively similar feel, the natural in this case is the Clark Fobes San Francisco Eb mouthpiece. Only one model, and it is .96 in tip opening. A great match.
Walter Grabner also makes very wonderful mouthpieces, close in feel. All high quality custom mouthpieces. I suggest calling him/e-mailing him, however you prefer.
Another fabulous choice would be to get in contact with Greg Smith, who is the Eb chair in the Chicago,Symphony, and get a Bb and Eb set-up from him. I've played Greg Smith pieces in the past, and they're quite lovely to play.
So - the 3 brands I've suggested are all Master Craftsmen, all are active Symphonic players, all specialize in Eb Clarinet.
There is my answer to your question. Get ready for a lot of posts telling you I'm wrong, or better yet - I'm crazy. But, in truth - I am correct. I've witnessed this topic play out many times.
But -- most of all have fun playing!
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2016-02-14 01:31
I agree with Ken. The Robes and Grabner are mouthpieces I own and love although right now I'm playing a Greg Smith with matched barrel. it is wonderful! Everyone noticed the improvement in my sound.
I use Bb reeds on the Eefer, just cutting off the butt ends. Am playing Leuthners now.
Eefer guy
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2016-02-14 02:05
OH!!! Start by changing my Bb from a 1.05 to a .96 then align the Eb to that. Makes a lot of sense. I've never tried a mpc with such a tight opening but will give it a go. Instead of worrying about which 3 Eb mpc's to order and try right now, I'll order 3 Bb's and give them a whirl. "Oldster" is good! It translates in my book to "experienced!"
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-02-15 18:05
One more thought, and this is a big help. Us Bb reeds on the Eb. You'll have to chop the bottoms to fit, unless you convert to a barrel like the Backun, which is slotted to adapt a full length Bb reed. This really keeps the embouchure feeling comfortable, and helps the Eb sound.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2016-02-16 00:21
I spoke at length with Gregory Smith this morning. He taught me a lot! His recommendation was for me to buy a Vandoren B44 Eb mpc because it will be the closest to my existing mpc. His advice was not to buy one of his mouthpieces, neither a Bb nor an Eb. Rather, to match what I'm currently using on my Bb to a new Eb. He also told me he uses his almost-worn-out Bb reeds, cuts off the butt end a bit, then uses them on his Eb. He uses the same exact reed for both his Bb and Eb, minus a bit off the end. He is a wealth of information! The first words out of his mouth, as I've so often read here on BBoards, is it's rare that any two clarinets will agree on something...or words to that effect:) So, that's going to be my first step. If it's not the answer, it's a lot less expensive mistake than going for the $250 option! Thank you, Gregory.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-02-16 00:38
Very good! Yes, Gregory is a fabulous player, and a real great person, as well. His advice is golden.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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