 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: J E Dunn
Date: 2001-11-21 05:58
Hello,
I am picking up the clarinet again after about a 20 year haitus. This time around I am more intersted in playing jazz and blues (don't kill me purists!). I have a Vandoren B44 mpc that I used for years, but was wondering what I could expect by playing on say a Vandoren 5JB- "the jazz mouthpiece" according to Vandoren's Website. I see that the facing is longer and opening much larger than what I have been using.
Unfortunatley, I live on a fairly remote island in Alaska, and a quick trip to a music store to try out different ones is not easily done. Just wondering what others might have to say....appreciate any insite!
John
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Author: Bob Sparkman
Date: 2001-11-21 11:50
Hi, John - The 5JB is a superb jazz mouhpiece, having been designed, I'm told, by Kenny Davern. It wil need soft reeds. Big, fat sound in the low register. Good luck. Sparky
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-11-21 15:47
John -
The Vandoren B44 is fairly open. You should be able to play jazz and blues quite well on it, as well as other things. While you get back into shape (which will probably happen quickly than you expect), I'd say stick with what you have. That way you'll be able to evaluate your next mouthpiece better.
The 5JB is *way* open and not easy to control, but, as Bob says, it may be just what you're looking for. You can certainly try it, since the large mail-order outlets will ship several mouthpieces to you on approval. Just put a rubber pad on top, or play double lip, to avoid putting tooth marks on the top.
Welcome back. Good luck, and let us know what you decide on.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Peter
Date: 2001-11-21 22:45
Welcome back, John.
I have to agree with Ken.
If you want to try out a new mouthpiece right away, more power to you. But for the sake of getting back into shape with equipment you are familiar with, and the future comparison of other mouthpieces that Ken was talking about, I would wait to re-gain my bearings before thinking seriously about the other mouthpiece.
In the Vandoren line, I have an easier time with the B40 for jazz and blues, the 5RV for other music. My son Daniel prefers the B46 for everything he plays, which includes classical, pop and jazz. The Vandoren catalog lists the B44 as a "Durable all purpose mouthpiece."
BTW, three layers of Scotch tape works well for protecting the mouthpiece while you try it out and, if you remove it soon after using it, it won't leave any residue on the mouthpiece either. I put it on parallel to the length of the mouthpiece and fold under the end away from the mouth, on the bottom strip of tape to facilitate removal later.
Good luck, whatever you decide. It's so neat to hear of all the people who come back to the clarinet after years of being busy with other things in life. It truly encourages me to spend more time with my clarinet (or saxophone.)
Peter
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2001-11-22 11:34
Try a Zinner with an open shortish lay or a Selmer C85 115 or 120. The Pyne Clarion Poly-crystal is also nice as is a Meyer from about a 4 up. You need lots of vertical flexibility and a mouthpiece that suits a softer reed.
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Author: J E Dunn
Date: 2001-11-25 03:50
Just wanted to say thanks for all of your input. I am going to keep playing on the Vandoren for now, and when I get a chance to get back to the "lower 48" and can look at some other mouthpieces I'll give them a whirl. What a pleasure to play again!
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