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RE: alto mouthpeice again

Author: Mike Hancock
Date: 2001-09-28 16:51

Since I have been struggling a bit with this same thing, let me offer a couple comments.......strictly FWIW.

I acquired a Selmer CL370 Alto a year or so ago. It came with a Selmer C* mouthpiece that I initially thought was too open. (I play a VanDoren M14 on my soprano clarinet). I bought a Bundy #2 alto MP thinking that it might be more closed than the Selmer C*. Such is apparently not the case by actual measurement. The Bundy mp, in my opinion, is not as good as the Selmer.

That said, I have found more variation in "playability" due to reed strength and brand than in the mouthpieces (assuming they are effectively the same). I started out with some inexpensive Rico reeds (#2 and #2.5) which seemed too soft. I have since purchased a box of VanDoren #3's and have found that I have to sand them down a bit to be satisfactory. (And again, I play VanDoren V12 #3.5's on my soprano clarinet).

One other observation related to my particular instrument.....I have checked its relative intonation with a tuning meter and it appears satisfactory (at least to me) except for the throat Bb.....and I understand that to be a frequent problem with altos.

This is an interesting thread, and I look forward to additional comments from others.

Cheers for the lower, longer clarinets.....
Mike Hancock

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