 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ian Penman
Date: 2018-03-21 13:08
I have just bought an old (but good condition) Yamaha C100 clarinet for my son, aged 12, who is studying for his Grade 3.
It needs a new mouthpiece. Can anyone recommend a place to go for this (ideally UK). Also, will a Yamaha YCL 255 mouthpiece fit?
Ian Penman
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Author: Doug Leach
Date: 2018-03-21 18:51
As far as a place to go in the UK, Howarth's in London is likely your best bet.
Now as to what, the mouthpiece from a Yamaha YCL255 will be the Yamaha 4C. It will likely "fit", but you won't be doing your son any favors. At that level, either the Fobes "Debut", available at Howarth's according to their web site, is a much better choice, as is Brad Behn's "Overture" mouthpiece.
http://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/overture-student-clarinetmouthpiece
If you're interested in a higher level from that, if you go to Howarth's they carry many Vandoren's he can try, or you can try one of the D'Addario "Reserve" mouthpieces. They have several different facings available. An X5 would be a good place to start.
Regards,
Doug Leach
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2018-03-21 20:24
I would second the Behn Overture. It's a mouthpiece I would prefer to use for a paid gig against many of the hand finished rubber mouthpieces out there.
I'd also recommend having a private teacher for your son to get clarinet specific weekly instruction. This is invaluable and will put him way ahead of the game. Also, a competent private teacher will be able to make recommendations for equipment. When players are as young as your son, the process of trying things for themselves can easily lead them down the wrong road, as they aren't developed enough to make equipment decisions in an educated way, particularly from a pedagogical perspective.
All Behn mouthpieces are designed to be efficient, reed friendly, and to promote an embouchure that is comfortable and flexible (not requiring excessive biting etc.). Getting your son started on equipment that promotes these ideas will no doubt make clarinet playing more enjoyable and make significant improvements in a shorter time (kids in particular being more likely to stick with something when they see consistent improvement).
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Author: Ian Penman
Date: 2018-03-21 20:43
Thanks so much for your very helpful responses. He already has a weekly private tutor (through his school) and seems to be enjoying learning clarinet very much (passing grades 1 and 2 in the first 18 months of teaching).
Ian Penman
Post Edited (2018-03-21 20:44)
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Author: nellsonic
Date: 2018-03-21 22:36
I teach clarinet full time and have many younger students. The Fobes Debut gets my highest recommendation. A quality mouthpiece is crucial, so I'm glad you are doing the research.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2018-03-22 03:37
At grade 3 I think we can be quite realistic with a suitable level of mouthpiece.
I have no problem with recommending the Yamaha mouthpieces, but in the UK many favour the 6C over the 4C as the 6C is a tad more open lay and slightly warmer sound.
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