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Re: Buffet E11 too bright

Author: Max S-D
Date: 2021-04-23 05:20

If I were looking for a darker tone, I would start with reeds, then mouthpieces.

I haven't played the Mitchell Luries in a while, but I remember them being a bit more colorful (maybe perceived as brighter) than the Vandoren V12 I was playing at the time. You might want to check out some of the "darker" reeds on the market. Since you don't like Vandoren, maybe try the D'Addario Reserve Classic or Evolution reeds, which I think are darker, though I haven't tried either in a few years. Reeds on the "darker" end of the spectrum that I have particularly liked are the Peter Leuthner French Cut and the Behn Brio. I found both to be quite consistent. I have never quite gotten along with the Gonzalez FOF, but they are quite dark in sound, for me at least.

If you go the mouthpiece route, the Vandoren B40 and BD5 are quite popular for players going for that kind of tone. You might also want to check out the Hawkins/Backun Vocalise mouthpieces, which I found too dark for my own preferences, but might suit you. They seemed to be very well made, but I prefer a sound that is a bit less dark. All of the models I mentioned are fairly reasonably priced and usually available for trial.

I don't think the E11 is going to keep you from getting a dark tone.

All that said, if you want to get a new clarinet, don't let me stop you!

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