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

Re: changes in Vandoren M15 MP

Author: TomS
Date: 2025-07-30 03:50

Our most popular Band and Orchestra store, here in North Little Rock, Arkansas, had a good selection of M13s and M13 lyre MPs. Apparently a local teacher recommended these and I would occasionally look for even side and tip rails and clean interiors. I'd examine 15-20 and buy just one, waiting a year and look at them all again ... usually most of them were new stock. Over 2 1/2 years, I'd found three each that looked good and played well.

I found the M13 was compact and bright with more resistance than the facing curve might suggest ... the M13 lyre was warmer and even more resistant.

The M15 (a good one) is, IMHO, exceptional in it's timbre and articulation.

I bought the M15s from Muncy Winds, a while back and played them a lot ... drifting to the Rico X0 and to the Evolution.

I'll probably pickup another M15 or two and continue with the Vandoren VK1s/40 for now. With the M15/VK1 combo, it plays like a more open facing. A big sound! The articulation is very clean and fast, better than my cane reeds ... usually. VK1s drift less than the Legere after warming up.

I'm 73 years young, and very lucky to perform in a local semi-pro Wind Ensemble, surrounded by people with Master Degrees and higher, as my training was very spotty and came later in life.

I'd recommend trying the Vandoren VK1s. They run harder than advertised, so don't be surprised if they play about 1/3-1/2 strength more than the conversion charts suggest.

Tom

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics