 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Chrissie
Date: 2002-02-20 22:13
I hate to dredge up a topic that's prolly been covered numerous times before... but having a lack of time to search the archives, I'll see if anyone's up to answering again... =)
While I do realize I'll have to try any suggestions for myself, what mpcs do you often prefer for playing eefer. I'm currently on a Buffet R-13 and a Vandoren 5RV, which is working pretty well, but I'm curious to see if I can find something that will suit me better. I love playin' the little devil... though it certainly lives up to all of it's nicknames. =)
Chrissie
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Author: Daniel
Date: 2002-02-20 22:33
As far as mouthpieces currently on the market for Eb, i really really really like Dan Johnston's mouthpieces. The only problem is that, unless you go visit him in New York State (he's in or near Buffalo i believe), you can't try before you buy.
A friend of mine and I bought one each and he picked the one he liked best and i took the other one (which worked out well cuz i liked the one he didn't). I use the Johnston mouthpiece as a backup to my Kaspar.
The other two favorites of mine for Eb are Greg Smith and Clark Fobes. Both will send you a few mouthpieces on approval to allow you to pick out one that works best. Or if you live near Chicago (Greg) or San Francisco (Clark) you can usually arrange a visit to their shop and get a mouthpiece custom fit for you.
I haven't much experience with Rick Sayre's Bb or Eb mouthpieces (not even sure if he makes Eb mouthpieces), but his custom bass mouthpieces are the best out there (almost as good as a Kaspar or Kanter).
Best of luck,
Daniel
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-02-20 22:56
Chrissie - the best fun I've had with the eeffer was years ago when I first played it in a marching band ... they always get the cute twiddly bits and fun things! enjoy - they CAN be tamed.
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Author: KPsiClarinetSWT
Date: 2002-02-21 00:26
Just a note, Scott mpcs are very well made also, and respond well. If you have snail mail patience then it'd be a good way to go because I think his charge is only about 80 dollars for a mouthpiece you can have faced to a particular kind of reed. My clarinet teacher uses Scott barrels and mpcs for his Bb and A (just switches back and forth), and his Eb and he sounds great on them. I use a Scott 36108 faced for Vandorens.
My two-hundredths of a dollar's worth
Jose
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Author: Ed
Date: 2002-02-21 14:14
I put in my vote for Clark Fobes Eb mouthpieces. Great response, sound and pitch. Definitely give them a try!
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Author: William
Date: 2002-02-21 15:11
I have probably been "practicing too many long tones" but, after using a custom Bay Eb mpc for a few years, I have returned to my old stock Selmer HS* Eb mpc on which I play cut-down Bb reeds (V-12s 3.5,4.0) For me, the reponse in general, is better with the Selmer, but in particular, the high notes seem to speak easier and with much better control of the intonation issues we all know and love about the "little effer." Also, the sound is more focused than was true with the ($200) Bay. If you must go "custom" I have never tried Greg Smiths Eb mpc, but I certainly recommend (and use) his Bb "Cicero" Kaspar model--and, he is accessable (info on Sneez Sponser page) and takes care to make certain you get the "right" mpc fit. For me, however, maybe I just got a "good one" but, I like my Selmer HS* stock Eb mpc. Good Clarineting!!!!!!!
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-02-21 15:29
Many years ago I was fortunate enough to find a superb Vandoren crystal mouthpiece. (It was selected out of about 20)
Although crystal mouthpieces in general can vary widely from fabulous to unplayable due to the manufacturing difficulties in controling the final product, a fine crystal mouthpiece can last a lifetime.
The fragility issue is a concern though. Have a back-up plan, just in case...
Vandoren crystal mouthpieces are no longer manufactured, but if one does show up used, (or if there is any "old dealer stock") it may be worth a try to see if it is possibly one of the "gems" that still may be out there...GBK
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-02-21 23:50
I have had several eefer mouthpieces over the years. The Selmer C* and C** were ok, I tried a HS* but it was a little close a J & D Hite model of some sort, a H. Couf Artist 3* and then out of the blue I acquired a Vito, number 4 I think, and have used it ever since. It has great intonation or as good as it gets, stacks of volume and does not go dead below the break. Other people have tried this mouthpiece and agree that it is good so I may have got lucky. The worst of the lot was the Couf which was too flat to use at all.
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Author: Michael
Date: 2002-02-22 00:55
I use an old Kaspar Ann Arbor for Eb clarinet playing, and it is the best mouthpiece for Eb that I, personally, have used. However, the Eb's are even harder to find nowadays than are the Bb models, but if you can find one, I highly recommend purchasing it.
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Author: Daniel
Date: 2002-02-22 02:22
I forgot about Robert Scott's mouthpieces. i've never personally played his. But the clarinet professor at SHSU bought one Bb mouhtpiece to try out for a student and said she thought they were very good for the price. Phil Muncy carries them for around $75 or $80.
I've never seen an Ann Arbor Eb mouthpiece, just Chicago and Cicero. I play Chicago Bb mouthpiece, and Cicero Eb. Played an Ann Arbor Bb for a couple years and got too frustrated with it and tradeds it back to my teacher for partial payment on my Chicago. :-)
Daniel
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Author: Luanne
Date: 2002-02-22 04:15
I haven't tried any of Scott's Eb mouthpieces but I do use his Eb barrel on my Selmer. I also play on a Morgan 06 and it plays very well. Incidently, I play Greg Smith's Cicero on my Bb and A.
Luanne
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Author: donald nicholls
Date: 2002-02-22 09:16
my colleague Bridget Miles (assoc Princ in the APO) uses a Bob Scott mouthpiece with a Pyne E flat mouthpiece and sounds GREAT. Elsa Lam uses an old Selmer in the China Philharmonic. I play on a Zinner blank ("A frame") refaced by Brad Behn (something around 34-1.06) which is fabulous. I use (like many people) B flat reeds shortened at the butt end. Often i adjust the reed on my B flat mouthpiece and then do "the chop" and play it on E flat...
nzdonald
(i also have an old vintage Selmer C*, a Hite and a couple of Vandorens- but the Zinner has the best intonation, best tone, and blends more easily than the others when this is required)
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Author: drew
Date: 2002-02-22 18:17
My eefer was a Buffet E-11; I purchased an old Vandoren 5RV that was the best mouthpiece for it. Tried a Vandoren B44, Babbitt and a stock Buffet, the 5RV was far and away the best match for me. Many people recommended the Hite, but I never tried one myself.
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Author: Kim
Date: 2002-02-24 18:16
I've tried many Eb mouthpieces and have to say that Hawkins has been my favorite so far.
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