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Mouthpiece for Clarinet in C

Author: KidBuffet
Date: 2025-08-03 00:10

Good day,
New here posting, but have been checking in to learn about Clarinets, for some time.
Kid Buffet, or the Buffet Kid, was not an endearing nickname, back in '62.
All new MKVI saxophones, in the Symphonic Band, in NYC, and I played a new Buffet.

Life can be so cruel.

To the point. To get an old 2 ring, with the patent C#, Albert System Clarinet in C, to play A440, or thereabouts, I am using a Selmer HS*.
Other than tip opening, what are the differences between the HS*
and the HS** ?
These would be the more recent versions.

Thanks,
KB.

I'll get back with the old Clarinet specs and my MP experiments.

Post Edited (2025-08-03 00:13)

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Re: Mouthpiece for Clarinet in C

Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2025-08-03 11:41
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I wish I could help. I have a Carl Fischer-branded Buffet Albert system, also in C. Nothing else fits the barrel other than the original wooden Buffet mouthpiece. One day I'll get it repadded and try to play it, but I have tried to fit other mouthpieces to my C clarinet barrel.

Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Homage mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum Silver ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren Traditional #4 reeds

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Re: Mouthpiece for Clarinet in C

Author: kdk
Date: 2025-08-03 18:22

I confess that I've never thought much about Albert clarinets in general, but how different in dimensions and acoustical design are they from French Boehm clarinets? More to the point, are they different enough to need a whole different mouthpiece design - length, bore shape and diameter, chamber shape, etc. - to play in tune?

I honestly don't know. I've always thought of an "Albert system" clarinet, when I've thought about one at all, as a variety of a German system clarinet with parts that weren't interchangeable with French Boehm instruments.

How far off have I been?

Karl

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Re: Mouthpiece for Clarinet in C

Author: ACCA
Date: 2025-08-04 17:16

my $0.02 :
my understanding is that both HS* and HS** are in fact tip opening/facing designations, that were faced on to Selmer hard rubber mouthpieces over several decades. the other dimensions of these models have changed several times.

here is a good source of information: https://www.woodwindforum.com/clarinetperfection/selmer-paris-2/

HS** is more open than HS* and may be better suited to non-classical styles and to your Albert clarinet.

given the age of these pieces yours may benefit from re-facing. I have played quite a few examples of both but they were all worn out and I couldn't get any to play well.

good luck with the Albert C clarinet! As an aside, Ed Pillinger (top mouthpiece maker btw!) has noted that larger-bore B&H 926 mouthpieces, and his versions (https://pillingermouthpieces.co.uk/bb-clarinet-mouthpieces), can tune well with C clarinets. Best wishes and good luck with the Albert C clarinet!

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Re: Mouthpiece for Clarinet in C

Author: KidBuffet
Date: 2025-08-05 01:47
Attachment: CBb Clarinets.JPG (443k)

Thanks for the above info.
Have read the Woodwind forum...Selmer page.
Just a fun project.

Post Edited (2025-08-05 02:28)

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Re: Mouthpiece for Clarinet in C

Author: KidBuffet
Date: 2025-08-05 02:24
Attachment: CBb Clarinets.JPG (443k)
Attachment: SOPSAX2.jpg (217k)

Based on everything I've read, with respect to the Selmer HS* and HS**,
is that the tip opening are listed as 1.0mm and 1.2mm, otherwise they are the same.... ???
The HS* I have is a 6th gen, that is in good playing condition.
Sometimes ya luck out for $23 USD to the door.

I have not found an HS**, in new condition, so I might have the HS*, opened up a bit, and keep another HS*, that is NOS, as a spare.

More on that Grenadilla, most likely made between the early 1860s and the 1880s, in France, will follow.

The cost of a newly made MP, would be more than I paid for Albert.
From what I've been told, they don't always work/satisfy.

It came with a Vandoren M30 Lyre, that stood proud, of the 50mm barrel, and played about 20 cents flat.
I have tools, and made it work. Tip is about 1.2mm, but the HS*, has a more centered tone.

Thanks again,
KB

Post Edited (2025-08-05 02:34)

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