The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Older Vandoren M13 mouthpiece

Author: MykaKS
Date: 2019-11-11 17:07

Hi,

My son plays clarinet and we just purchased him a used Yamaha YCL-34 that came with a Vandoren M13 mouthpiece. I can't tell if the mouthpiece is genuine. It does not have the full serial number stamped onto it like the Vandoren website describes. Instead it has a 13 stamped to the left of where the reed sits, and an M stamped to the right of where the reed sits. It has M13 on the front, underneath the Vandoren logo, and the 88 on one side. It does not have the 13 printed in a circle underneath the 88, like the newer ones do indicating Series 13.

It plays well and we can definitely tell a difference between it and the Hite Premiere that he's been playing on. The upper register is definitely clearer, though he will need to adjust to it. I also used a "tap test" as I saw described on another thread here. It has a deeper sound when you tap on it than his Hite, so I'm hoping that means it is vulcanized rubber and not plastic.

Since he hasn't tried other Vandorens, we're not certain the M13 is the best one for him to use long-term or if his teacher will ask him to switch to a different one. I haven't had much luck finding information about the production history of the M13 or about what older models may look like. Can anyone here tell me if I've described a legitimate older Vandoren M13 mouthpiece, or if it is likely a counterfeit?

Thanks,
Myka

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics