 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarinetmc
Date: 2019-08-02 02:08
Hi All:
Has anyone compared the Vandoren BD5 to the D'Addario Evolution?
I've tried the BD5 several times (I even played it for about 4 months) and just could never get the hold/focus to the sound I wanted. The BD5 has an attractive darkness and cushion, but I find the sound a bit spread/unfocused, for me at least.
Just curious about your personal observations. Of course, I plan to try it on my own, but I'd love to hear from you all.
Thanks!
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2019-08-02 02:48
I have. Totally different mouthpieces. The topic has been covered a few times already. If you wish to email me I'll be happy to respond.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: JF Clarinet
Date: 2019-08-03 11:36
I play BD5 series 13. My last 2 mouthpieces were also BD5 series 13's. (I have had to get new ones at my teachers request, and now finally have one we are both happy with). I think BD5 (I have tried around 40 or so), assuming you get a good one, is a nice consistent mouthpiece. My problem with BD5 is that, while it produces a nice round sound, I feel inflexible in terms of sound color relative to custom mouthpiece and boutique brands. I found maybe 5 that would have been worth playing on.
I have much less experience with the evolutions. I was recently given a presentation by a D'addario sales representative and got to try 2 normal evolution mouthpieces and 2 with the limited edition rubber (both with their reeds and my vandoren reeds that were already broken in on my mouthpiece). I hated the evolutions I tried. The sound just felt dead and very spread, but very easy to play though. My sample size was much smaller with these, but I have found more luck (and much more exposure to) the BD5.
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Author: Episkey
Date: 2019-08-03 19:15
Did you try the evolutions in a large room? Sound up close is hardly ever a good measurement of projection for a mouthpiece.
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Author: Richie Hawley
Date: 2019-08-03 19:28
My experience with BD5 players when they test the EVOLUTION mpiece is that they initially overblow the evolution. many bd5 players get in this pattern of blowing extra hard do to get the flexibility out of the BD5. This habit is not needed on the Evolution . Try the evolution with a slightly harder reed and give it a try again. You might be surprised with how focused and controlled AND warm the sound will be .but with that same response that you initially liked.
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Author: Episkey
Date: 2019-08-03 20:16
I COMPLETELY agree with Mr. Hawley!! If you're used to working too hard with a Vandoren everything else will feel weird.
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Author: JF Clarinet
Date: 2019-08-04 07:33
I tried in a room roughly the size of a squash/racketball court. I tried on V21 4's that had been broken in on my BD5 and new Evo 3.5, 3.5+, and 4's, but I'll try going harder next time I get the chance. Thanks for the advice!
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Author: TomS
Date: 2019-08-08 09:58
I like the Evolution. Has great center but without a brittle, buzzy edge. Sound is clear, but wearing a light wool sweater. Not a trace of "tubby" quality. Good "hold" and stays together on higher clarion notes into the altissimo (the feature I like the best). Plays like a closer facing MP, in respect to ease of control and articulation. If you play first/solo in a Wind Ensemble, will help you out. And, it just "feels right" in an ensemble ... I've had many MPs that are impressive in the warm-up, but just don't fit, somehow in the section.
I feel lucky to have discovered this MP ... as it fits me well. But, I had been using Reserve X0 for a while, so I expected a lot from D'Addario.
Three cents from this old man ...
Tom
Post Edited (2019-08-08 10:00)
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