 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Hans
Date: 2001-07-06 14:45
It is really great to see the large amount of information on this board but for a novice like me (stopped playing at age 12, and now, after 20 years, I try to start all over again) it can also be somewhat confusing. For instance, I read about people changing their mouthpieces, trying out lots of different reeds, etcetera. I myself own - since a few months - a Leblanc Spirit with a standard 2550K-10M mouthpiece (from Leblanc). I started with a reed #3 from Vandoren but it costs me to much energy to produce a good sound, predominantly in the upper register. So I changed to 2.5 and this turns out to be a lot better. Could anyone tell me what would be like a standard beginner setup in the case of my instrument? Unfortunately I live in a little town in Mexico and have no access to teachers, the music school here only offers piano and violin (¿can you imagine?). In advance many thanks for your kind help!
Hans
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Author: John Scorgie
Date: 2001-07-07 00:02
Hans --
The Leblanc K10M is a quality medium lay mouthpiece and is a good choice for you right now.
Later on you may want to go to a 3 or 3 1/2, but right now the Vandoren 2 1/2 is a good reed strength for you. Realize that in a box of Vandoren reeds #2 1/2, some reeds will be 2 1/2, others will be #2 and others #3 in actual strength. (Vandoren does this on purpose). If you prefer reeds which are more consistent in strength than Vandorens, try Mitchell Luries made by the Rico company. A Mitchell Lurie #3 is similar in strength to an average Vandoren 2 1/2.
Best wishes on yor return to playing and let us know how you are progressing.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-07-07 02:57
John Scorgie wrote:
>
> Realize that in
> a box of Vandoren reeds #2 1/2, some reeds will be 2 1/2,
> others will be #2 and others #3 in actual strength. (Vandoren
> does this on purpose). If you prefer reeds which are more
> consistent in strength than Vandorens, try Mitchell Luries made
> by the Rico company. A Mitchell Lurie #3 is similar in strength
> to an average Vandoren 2 1/2.
I've never seen this much variation in a box of Vandorens. The 2 1/2 might vary a quarter strength up and down from the average but never as much as a half strength.
Mitchell Luries are a good choice though. I personally use both Vandoren and Mitchell Lurie reeds and started both my daughters on the Mitchell Lurie reeds.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-07-07 14:46
I agree that the K10M will serve you well for now. Your reed strength adjustment will help build your confidence and tone until you need a harder reed. I've found it doesn't matter what other people think about the reed strength they want me to use, I find what works (like the 2.5 for you) and I stick with it.
When you want to advance with the mouthpiece, you might move up to a Vandoren 5RV Lyre or something like that. But, for now just practice, practice, practice. You have good set-up with your Leblanc.
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-07-08 17:17
I'm unfamiliar with the LeBlanc line, but if the bore is similar to the modern Buffet horns;
Try the Legere synthetic reed for the first few months (less variation, day-to-day).
If you have a store that will let you audition mouthpieces, medium openings, medium facings work for most of us (I like the Vandy M13.).
Brenda didn't mention it, but she has a large stash of new, first quality mouthpieces to sell at very reasonable prices.
Check into the thicker blank reeds, I like the Vandoren V12, and Rico Grand Concert select (standard and thick blank). I buy them in heavier strength and sand them down until playable.
You will often find stores closing out #4 1/2 and #5 reeds for lack of sales.
Lastly, do take a few lessons it is perhaps the best investment you can make during your return.
Congrats on returning to the horn!
anji
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-07-09 14:42
And, Hans, I really recommend you purchase a Rovner ligature to add to your mouthpiece, reed setup. You can order one from woodwind and brasswind or International Musical Suppliers for a very reasonable price. This will help you with your advancing skills on articulation, etc.
As Anji says, try lots of reeds. I've never tried the Legere reeds, but Anji is so fond of them that you might want to get one and find out why. I can see the advantage to having a consistency of texture, etc.
You're way ahead of most beginners by being interested in the mouthpiece. I didn't realize a mouthpiece made a lot of difference in my playing until after I had played for many years on a bad instrument (a school clarinet) with a bad mouthpiece.
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