Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2020-09-18 02:35
Yes, the BD5 is [said to be] identical to the BD5-13, just shorter. As my BD5-13 is just a "tad" low, I play it using a barrel that is 1mm shorter. I thought I would try a "regular" BD5, so I ordered one a couple of weeks ago and indeed it appears to be perhaps 1.5mm shorter that my BD5-13 and does tune to A442+, actually higher than I can tolerate even pulling out a longer barrel and between the upper/lower joints, so I think the BD5-13 is, for me, closer to what I'm looking for.
Now this may be just the normal variation in Vandoren mouthpieces, but my BD5 and BD5-13 feel quite different, and in recordings and according to my wife, they sound a bit different. The BD5-13 "feels" very dark, almost Viennese, has a bit more resistance and seems to be more reed-friendly. In contrast, the BD5 (regular) feels brighter and has less resistance, yet it still has a very mellow sound. However, there is something about its table (possibly the location and degree of concavity) that makes it a bit more particular about reeds.
Based on the intonation and the resistance, I think I'll stick with the BD5-13 and use the BD5 only if I'm in a situation where I need to tune very sharp.
Bob Barnhart
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The Clarinet BBoard
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