The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jas Carson
Date: 2001-08-19 18:53
Hi everybody...
I recently bought a used Buffet B12 clarinet with a Selmer HS* mouthpiece. I know that this is a "close" mouthpiece, but I'm wondering what the best reed size for this type of mouthpiece.
I appreciate any comments!
Thanks...
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Author: Steve Epstein
Date: 2001-08-19 21:24
I'm no authority about reeds and mp's. Most of what I've learned about this subject has come from browsing these pages. However, I have used a Selmer HS*, so all of what I have to say is not just "regurgitation".
As you say, it is a close mp. I bought and used it for a while to improve my tone and general control. I started out with Vandoren traditional 3.5's, having used 3's on a more open mp. I soon went to Rico Grand Concert 4's, then Vandoren traditional 4's.
I wasn't trying to "build up"; I just found that softer reeds tended to "collapse" on the mp, choking off the sound, actually making it harder to blow. Eventually I got comfortable with Vandoren 4's, but was more comfortable wth a more open mp and a softer reed, and discovered I could get as good a sound and as good control as with the HS*, so I went back to the more open mp.
Hope this is helpful.
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Author: Bob Curtis
Date: 2001-08-21 00:51
Jas Carson:
I've used the Selmer HS* Crystal mouthpiece for over 50 years and I think that it is a terriffic mouthpiece. In the days I bought it, back in 1946, it was the best that you could find. I generally use a Mitchell Lurie # 3 or 3 1/2, Zonda 2 or 2 1/2 reed on mouthpiece. I am not an advocate of stiffer reed, better tone. I believe that you must find the reed that fits the mouthpiece and stick with it. This combination has worked for me for years and I plan to stick with this combination for a few more years. (By the way, I am 71, have played the instrument for over 61 years, and there are those out there who have played longer than I have.) Hope you enjoy your mouthpiece as much as I have mine.
Bob Curtis
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2001-08-21 04:16
Selmer HS* bore is for smaller bore clarinets rather than ordinary 0.574 inches bore standard Buffet clarinets. If you use this mp with Buffets, you will feel somewhat stuffy. This does not come from the closedness of the tip opening. I once experienced this with HS* and my old Selmer 10G, which unlike 10SII or Recital has the same bore size with Buffet.
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