 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarikitty
Date: 2016-05-04 07:30
I've been playing on a Selmer Centered-Tone Bb which has been a good horn for me since about 1987, but it was used even when I bought it way back then, and in the last few years it's having more problems & wearing out - so I just ordered a Yamaha YCL-CSVR Bb clarinet to try out, got it today and am pretty sure I'll keep it, but I don't like the standard Yamaha mouthpiece that came with it at all. And my mouthpiece I'd been using on my Selmer is an old Richard Hawkins which I liked but is wearing out (scratched, etc). So my question is, can anybody recommend what mouthpiece may be good with the new Yamaha YCL CSVR? I haven't looked at new mouthpieces in a long time so not sure which ones are best, or how to pick ones for a trial. First I thought I'd just get a new Richard Hawkins but then realized I should check out other possibilities too. My local music stores don't seem to have much variety of mouthpieces to test out. I'm pretty active playing in community groups so need to sound good, thus am willing to spend more for a quality mouthpiece.
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Author: gwie
Date: 2016-05-04 10:21
You can use any mouthpiece on the CSVR.
You should find the best mouthpiece for *you*. Do a search on mouthpiece recommendations on the board, there are dozens of threads, but really you have to play them to know!
In the price range of the Hawkins mouthpieces, you have so many choices...if you know what you want it might be best to start there with Hawkins...just off the top of my head, you could check out the work of Clark Fobes, Walter Grabner, Ben Redwine (Gennusa), Bradford Behn (his Zinner model), Backun, Ridenour...there's so many! And they all make great stuff, so you really can't go wrong with any of them.
If you want to save money, the D'Addario Reserve line and of course the ubiquitous Vandoren offerings are almost all under $100.
Post Edited (2016-05-04 10:22)
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2016-05-04 14:21
Excepting instruments that are fundamentally different (German-system clarinets, for example) there is no recommendation that anyone can make pairing a specific mouthpiece with a specific model.
Gwie has some good thoughts above. You could also contact Hawkins to reface your mouthpiece.
I would recommend that you not change mouthpieces until you have your new horn for several months. It will be easier to learn to learn the ins and outs of your new instrument. Additionally -- changing ALL the variables of your playing at the same time can cause a lot of problems.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-05-04 15:28
We had a similar post where someone wanted to change all their equipment all at once (not exactly what you are saying, I realize). I would say it is first incumbent upon you to allow yourself to get to know your new clarinet first (as long as your current mouthpiece is in decent working order). There is certainly no reason why a Hawkins mouthpiece would not be ideal for the Yamaha (and I would add my personal displeasure with the Yamaha mouthpieces - simply unusable).
With that in mind I would only offer up the the standard mouthpiece recommendations for someone looking for a good all around mouthpiece. You can spend far more for all sorts of custom brands but I honestly feel that the results you get with these are as good as anything on the market:
Vandoren M13 (non Lyre); Vandoren Masters CL4 (non 13 series); ESM MCK-1
...............Paul Aviles
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Author: TomS
Date: 2016-05-05 06:27
Mr. Aviles advice is right on. Don't change but one piece of equipment at a time.
Not just on clarinet gear, but any experimental quest, adjust one parameter at a time and test ...
Tom
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2016-05-05 06:36
Send your mouthpiece back to Richard Hawkins and see if he can reface it. If he can, you saved money and revitalized your favorite mouthpiece. If not, at least you tried.
If you liked the RH, you won't have any problems with a new RH. I like his stuff. It's been years since I've played one, but I had a Model B that served me well for a few years.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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