 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: David
Date: 2001-07-21 15:44
I am in the market for a new mouthpiece. As I am a relative novice. I appreciate the need to get a good fit, that not one fits all, but there are many variables and I wonder how to narrow the selection down to a few to try. I am playing a Yamaha SE with a Gigliotti 4 mouthpiece and generally a Vandoren V12 3.5 reed at the moment. Looking for something with a different sound, brighter? Darker? Depending on the music. So what do these "variables" tend to do and if I were to try to narrow my initial search to 5 mouthpieces, what 5 might I consider?
1) Crystal or Rubber? What's the major difference?
2) Open or Closed?
3) Long or Short?
4) Vandoren offers a different "profile". Would that be noticeable?
5) I have heard great things about Greg Smith etc. But $200 is alot of money. Would a relative novice like myself notice the difference that this markup should bring?
Thanks for the insights.
David
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-07-21 17:43
David wrote:
>
> ... So what do these "variables" tend to do and if I were to try to
> narrow my initial search to 5 mouthpieces, what 5 might I
> consider?
>
> 1) Crystal or Rubber? What's the major difference?
It shouldn't make a difference but this can't be accurately judged because no one makes identically shaped mouthpieces in the two materials to accurately judge them. Of course there is the obvious that crystal is more easily broken if dropped. Hard rubber deteriorates if left in the sun too much or excessive heat but if you take proper care of it, this should not happen.
> 2) Open or Closed?
Open - easier to blow, allows player more freedom in varying his type of sound but sometimes also harder to control, takes a softer reed.
Closed - sound is more focused and controlled with less effort on the part of the player but isn't as flexible in ability to vary type of sound, takes a harder reed.
> 3) Long or Short?
Can't really say.
> 4) Vandoren offers a different "profile". Would that be
> noticeable?
The Profile 88 ( I think this is what you are talking about) is external only. For some people this is more comfortable. As such it could indirectly affect a player's sound but that it's really the player not the mouthpiece.
> 5) I have heard great things about Greg Smith etc. But $200 is
> alot of money. Would a relative novice like myself notice the
> difference that this markup should bring?
Can't really say as I haven't tried one.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2001-07-21 18:36
Author: David wrote:
5) I have heard great things about Greg Smith etc. But $200 is alot of money. Would a relative novice like myself notice the difference that this markup should bring?
-------------------------------
I also consider myself a relative novice. I just finished trying Gregory Smith's three different Chedeville style mpcs and two different Kaspar style mpcs, with the Buffet-Chadash 66 and 65 mm barrels.
I was able to notice a difference. Before the trial, I planned to purchase a Kaspar, but ended up with the Chediville 1 facing. I found that the mpc(s) provides a nice timber, and allows me to play the higher notes "effortlessly" which is what I was looking for.
I think his mpcs are optimized for the Buffet R-13. The best thing is to contact Gregory, a Sneezy sponsor, and arrange for a trial.
Bill
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Author: clarinetgrammy
Date: 2001-07-21 21:19
I agree with Bill. You might also look on the Sneezy classifieds and see if anyone has a good used pro mouthpiece. Sometimes you can find a good Fobes or other brands that someone has only used a few times. Because mouthpieces are such a personal choice, sometimes one someone else doesn't like might be just the ticket for you. They wash quite nicely.
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Author: jbutler
Date: 2001-07-22 01:27
Mr. Smith just sent me five of his moutpieces for trial also. He sent me his 1, 1+, 1*, Kaspar Cicero and Kaspar Chicago. I haven't had my wife listen to them as I play as of yet. We will do that tomorrow. However, I find I prefer the 1 myself. I'm going to use her set of ears also before making a final decision. After the 1 comes the 1+ and then the Kaspar Chicago. I know that $175 or $200 is a lot of money, but I thought I had a good mouthpiece in my Bay Kasper 13 copy and my Sumner #3, but I just a few notes and I could tell these mouthpieces were in a different class altogether.
John
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-07-22 16:49
After trying all Greg Smith mouthpieces, I also opted for the Old Chedeville (model)1. The Old Kaspar (fModel) Chicago was/is very tempting. Yes, the Old Kaspar model is $200 & the Old Chedeville (model) is $175 (all plus shipping).
Best,
mw
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-07-22 16:52
(fmodel) is a misspelling ... should be (model). It should be pointed out that Greg is using the (finest quality) Zinner blanks.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2001-07-22 19:40
As I tried to say under "Basset Horn Mps" , for me and likely for quite a few players, an often ignored mp selection criterion may be the matching-up of mp bore with barrel bore. One can use calipers but having a small little finger, I can quickly detect small differences, and I feel that those diff's can affect tuning, clarity and response possibly in an undesireable fashion. Just a thot! Don
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-07-22 21:38
Greg Smith also offers Chadash barrels. I am in the process of choosing 1 of 3 or 4 he sent to me. Agree that it makes sense to consider one's (entire) setup when changing any part of it. Best, mw
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Author: Bill
Date: 2001-07-22 21:41
What an experience, i.e., trying 5 mpcs with 2 Chadash barrels.
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-07-23 00:51
Yes, Bill ... I couldn't agree more. It's a daunting undertaking. Need to have several mouthpiece patches (Greg is great that he sent all trial mouthpieces that I have received w/tape on the mouthpiece back to protect from ligature scratches, etc.)
One wants to be _FAIR_ in the _TEST & ASSESSMENT_ so that the best mouthpiece & barrel combo WINS!
It's my guess that Greg will be a very busy man @ ClarinetFest this year.
Best,
mw
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Author: Jerry McD.
Date: 2001-07-23 02:31
David,
I too must give my thumbs up to the Gregory Smith mouthpiece. I use the Chedeville 1. Let me mention that I too play Yamaha clarinets and the Chadash barrels did not work at all on my horns. I play a Custom AE on b-flat, and a model 72A. When I tried the Chadash barrel it completely flattened out the sound. I know it is very hard to define sound in words, but I think you get the idea. I think if you don't want to spend the big bucks on a Smith mouthpiece, try a Vandoren M13 Lyre. This is a profile 88 mouthpiece and I liked the way it played, it was even top to bottom, and the sound and pitch were very good. I had to go through a few of them find a good one (true of all mouthiece/instrument searches). It plays very similarly to the Smith mouthpiece with one BIG caveat........in some intangible reasons the Smith is just better, and you can tell the instant you slap a reed on it. Let us know how it goes, and how do you like your Yamaha?
Jerry McD.
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-07-23 03:35
I have never really heard of anybody who played the Chadash Barrel w/the Yamaha clarinet. Yamaha custom barrels seem to get the job done, & Yamaha has responded better the last couple of years with new & better designs/lengths. I have owned the YCL-72, 72csA & a CX. We use a Springer (poly) Barrel & an old Moennig w/the 72caA with decent success. (Jonathan Cohler chose the 72csA & the Springer barrel so we can thank him). We have also used a Robert Scott barrel successfully (go figure).
Guy Chadash designed his barrels with the R-13 in mind. While its well-known that Yamaha copied the Buffet R-13 in the YCL-62/72/85 etc., IMO the tuning of Yamaha professional clarinets is not like the tuning of a Buffet R-13. Buffet R-13 Clarinets are known for the certain adjustments & fingerings which are required to bring it to proper pitch. Of course, there is always an exceptional clarinet here or there.
IMO, Yamaha clarinets are VERY consistent & tune very well "out of the box".
Best,
mw
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2001-07-23 05:30
I bought Greg Smith's Chedeville and Chadash barrel and felt they are really a magic, Most remarkable improvement was my articulation especially detached phrases that I felt more difficult than staccato. As I broke the tip, I swtiched to his Kasper and I am proud of its serial number(#100 ). I do not feel the slightest necessity to seek another mouthpiece. If I came accross with them earlier, I would not spend such foolish money to buy at least 10 mouthpieces only to get more and more frustration.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-07-23 19:01
I also use Greg's mouthpieces--Kaspar Chicago and Grenadilla wood. Rather than the Chadash barrel, I use a Moennig on every clarinet I own. You do need a Buffet barrel for a Buffet, but it is possible to get a Moennig for Leblancs and Yamahas. I find them to add great depth and power to the tone. Remarkable improvement over standard barrels. Although some clarinets (like Leblanc and Yamaha) may have excellent intonation right from the box, the Moennig barrel adds a dimension to the sound and tone quality that I like quite a lot.
The Chadash barrel is excellent (especially if combined by Greg with one of his mouthpieces) for centering the tone. It's important to consider the brand of instrument you're using before deciding upon a barrel to go with your mouthpiece.
If you use a professional like Greg Smith, he will find out your needs before sending out mouthpieces.
And, yes, you'll spend a day or two in constant practice until you find the right combo for you--but you will be a better equipped player.
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Author: David
Date: 2001-07-24 10:35
With the expense of shipping a number of mouthpieces of lesser cost to find one that is really superior, I suppose the $200 for a Greg Smith would be well spent. Do they last "a lifetime"?
If I am going to spend this kind of money, is there another manufacturer of repute?
Thanks,
David
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Author: clarinetgrammy
Date: 2001-07-24 13:58
Well, if you take good care of it and don't drop it and break it, it will last a very long time. I have some mouthpieces that are 20 years old and in excellent condition. So, I would say that to get a good mouthpiece from a good mouthpiece maker (like Greg) would be a long-term investment.
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Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2001-07-24 19:27
Try also: Roger Garrett and Walter Grabner (Clarinet Xpress) mouthpieces (both are here on Sneezy), their mouthpieces are quite reasonably priced.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-07-24 19:55
Or, you might try to buy a good used pro model on eBay from a reputable dealer. I don't have any right now, or I would recommend myself (offline of course). But seriously, there are quite a few upper level mouthpieces for sale on eBay and you can sometimes get a really good price. Be sure to check out the feedback and just bid with those who have positive feedback. If they have negative, see why and steer clear if there is any question what so ever.
Charles Bay is a good mouthpiece maker. Also, the Hawkins models are good. You might find one of those on eBay.
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