 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: KSClarinetMama
Date: 2016-08-20 05:22
My son is in 5th grade and has decided to join band. The clarinet I have needs servicing (going to get that done) and he need a new mouthpiece. Can you recommend a good beginner mouthpiece for around $25. I don't want to spend much right now. If he sticks with it for a year or two, I will get him something better.
Thanks!
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-08-20 05:26
Either the Hite "Premier" or the Fobes "Debut" would be good choices. They are sold as beginner mouthpieces, but actually perform much better than you would expect. I think they'll cost more than $25, but not much more.
Tony F.
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Author: Jim22
Date: 2016-08-20 05:26
Forbes debut and Hite premier seem to be good options for a beginner. I actually started on a Yamaha 4c, which I did well with.
Jim C.
CT, USA
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Author: ruben
Date: 2016-08-20 09:12
Here in France, the standard beginner's mouthpiece is Vandoren 5RV.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2016-08-20 14:05
Hite Permiere, Fobes Debut, Behn Overture are all good pieces, the two former are less than $30 in Amazon, the latter costs $35 via Brad himself.
--
Ben
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Author: Ed
Date: 2016-08-20 15:06
The Fobes Debut is a great playing mouthpiece. It plays like something that costs many times more.
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2016-08-20 15:39
I stopped recommending the Hite after the business was sold. The quality isn't as consistent.
Steve Ocone
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Author: pewd
Date: 2016-08-20 19:34
It might be a good idea to check with the band director at your son's school - many directors have recommended equipment lists for beginning students.
I love the Fobes Debut for beginners - but - check with the band director.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: KSClarinetMama
Date: 2016-08-20 20:01
Good idea. There is a parent meeting on Tuesday. I am trying to be proactive as I like to get things done, but I will hold off ordering anything until after the meeting.
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Author: Matt74
Date: 2016-08-21 03:00
The only problem with asking the band director is that they might not be very informed about the matter, and also might be offended if you get something different. Clarinetists for the most part are easy going about such things. Sometimes band directors are not. They might have helpful thoughts, but the advice here is solid.
The advantage of getting a student mouthpiece from Fobes, Behn, or Redwine (Gennusa Mezzo), and some others, is that for less than $40 you are going to get a good consistent product that plays well. They are mouthpiece makers with excellent reputations. You are probably fine with a Yamaha 4C or a Hite Premiere, but why not get one from a famous craftsman for the same money? Selmer, Vandoren, etc. can be inconsistent. Some individual pieces are great, others not so much.
I had Ben Redwine send me five of his mid/pro level pieces on trial and four of them were virtually indistinguishable. There were no duds. He has great customer service. I'm sure the same is true of Fobes and Behn.
I wouldn't sweat it too much, but I do think that there are a lot of great inexpensive options now, which wasn't true when I was learning.
- Matthew Simington
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Author: tucker ★2017
Date: 2016-08-23 01:41
Please report back if you ask the band director. Would be interesting what he/she says.
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Author: TomS
Date: 2016-08-27 20:36
Fobes Debut or (for a warmer, more open sound) the Hite Premier. The Fobes are more consistent, but IMHO, a good Hite plays better. About 35-40 dollars for either one.
If you have 90 bucks to spend, go for the Vandoren 5RV-lyre/profile 88/ non 13 series. You can use this until, at least, college. Good all around MP that has warm sound and easy to control.
Also, Tom Ridenour make some nice student MPs ... give Ted Ridenour a call and check them out. I have a couple and they play great.
Tom
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Author: gwie
Date: 2016-08-27 21:24
I use the Fobes Debut or Behn Overture for all my beginners. They are consistent, reliable, and in many cases perform better than some of the more expensive options. As a teacher, being able to predict the behavior of these specific mouthpieces is extremely helpful in working with students to develop their basics.
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