 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Wayne R.
Date: 2002-09-28 15:59
Hi all,
I am returning to playing clarinet after a long absence (hooray!) and am looking for an affordable, free blowing, hand-faced mouthpiece with a medium (at very least) to medium open (much preferred) tip. Any recommendations for relatively inexpensive (say $30-$50 or so) hand faced mouthpieces? I am not a mouthpiece snob, as I spent my earlier years playing a Selmer #3 plastic student mouthpiece (horrors!) which earned me a college scholarship. Time to move up a little in the world, and I thank you for your kind recommendations.
(Many thanks to John for his kind recommendation of the Pomaricos, which I may indeed try if and when the extra cash appears.)
I am currently playing a Leblanc Esprit, and could care less about "dark" stuffy feeling and/or sounding mouthpieces...open and moderately bright are just fine in my book!
Wayne R.
wrtofargo@msn.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2002-09-28 17:13
I personally play on a Chicago Kaspar, a Gregory Smith (Sneezy Sponser) "Cicero" Kaspar model and a Charles Bay Ithica Custom, all expensive hand crafted products, but well worth (IMNSHO) the money in terms of sound and response. FYI--I have tried a variety of Pomerico's and do not like them--for me, they are "stuffy." Other, more economical commercial mouthpieces that I do like are the LeBlanc LC#3, the LeBlanc K10, the VanDoren B45 and M13 and the Selmer HS**. I do not equate "dark" with "stuffy" but more with "chocolate" or "resonate" and prefer the lighter, more flexibil sound that a more open mouthpiece lets you play with. "Dark", but with *perk*. The best and cheapest mouthpiece on the current market might be the Yamaha student line, (Model 4C I think). But I do not believe they are "hand finished." For that, you pay more.
You may want to check out Clark Fobes website as well. I have not tried his mpcs but he has written some good articals regarding clarinet accoustics in relation to mouthpiece design and many claim his products are great. (also a Sneezy Sponser)
Bottom Line: try as many different mouthpieces as you can because, even with mouthpieces that have identical names and numbers, they will play differently. That's one of the variables that makes clarinet playing so interesting--and which produces so much material for us regular Sneezy commentators (many of whom all eventually agree to disagree).
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2002-09-28 17:23
I personally play on a Chicago Kaspar, a Gregory Smith (Sneezy Sponser) "Cicero" Kaspar model and a Charles Bay Ithica Custom, all expensive hand crafted products, but well worth (IMNSHO) the money in terms of sound and response. FYI--I have tried a variety of Pomerico's and do not like them--for me, they are "stuffy." Other, more economical commercial mouthpieces that I do like are the LeBlanc LC#3, the LeBlanc K10, the VanDoren B45 and M13 and the Selmer HS**. I do not equate "dark" with "stuffy" but more with "chocolate" or "resonate" and prefer the lighter, more flexibil sound that a more open mouthpiece lets you play with. "Dark", but with *perk*. The best and cheapest mouthpiece on the current market might be the Yamaha student line, (Model 4C I think). But I do not believe they are "hand finished." For that, you pay more.
You may want to check out Clark Fobes website as well. I have not tried his mpcs but he has written some good articals regarding clarinet accoustics in relation to mouthpiece design and many claim his products are great. (also a Sneezy Sponser)
Bottom Line: try as many different mouthpieces as you can because, even with mouthpieces that have identical names and numbers, they will play differently. That's one of the variables that makes clarinet playing so interesting--and which produces so much material for us regular Sneezy commentators (many of whom all eventually agree to disagree).
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: S.J.
Date: 2002-09-28 20:25
For a very free blowing un-stuffy piece,check out Beechler diamond inlays.#"5,6,or7 .I've been playing them professionally for years for jazz and they have been wonderderful.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: nzdonald
Date: 2002-09-28 22:23
the cheapest way to get a hand faced mouthpiece (i think this was essentially what your posting asked about) is this.....
buy either a Zinner blank from International Musical Suppliers or a mouthpiece blank from Weiner (my experience with these was that they sounded good but weren't so well in tune- possibly just needed some work by an expert on the "insides").... this will cost you around $US 35..... then find a mouthpiece refacer- which is not that hard actually, if you live in the US or Germany.... in the US this should cost about $40-50....
where do you live? if you tell us the approximate location, my guess is that someone here on the board will be able to recomend a mouthpiece guru living nearby.
donald
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2002-09-28 22:27
Finding a new hand-faced mouthpiece in the price range you have specified may be difficult. You might check with Walter Grabner (who is a sponsor on these pages) or Roger Garrett (who is not but whose mouthpieces are available from the Woodwind & Brasswind -- his D model might serve). Otherwise, you can sometimes pick up a used or new old stock Bay MO-M (Medium Open tip, Medium facing length) or Pyne (you'll have to figure out which of his facings might meet your needs) for $75 - $100. I've been very lucky with three Bays that I picked up on eBay, every one was a winner -- but buying a mouthpiece that way, particularly when you don't know for sure what you will like is very risky. With the Grabner (which has received generally good reviews on this board) or the Garrett, you can at least try before you buy.
If you live near Buffalo, you might be able to hook up with Dan Johnston. He will tailor a mouthpiece for you and, the last I heard, his prices were still quite low, around $75 if I remember correctly.
Best regards,
jnk
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Laurie
Date: 2002-09-29 07:05
How are Dan Johnston's Mouthpieces ? I go to the Crane School up @ Potsdam, and we do a trip down to his studio every year. I currently am playing on a Charlie Bay Mouthpiece that is great -Is it worth getting a Johnston ? Thanx.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2002-09-29 14:37
Hi Wayne:
Try some HITE mouthpieces at your local woodwind shop. If you can't find one close-by, then call:
David Hite
1-800-433-4483
He's in Florida and has been making first class handmade mouthpieces for years. They're under $100, and well worth it.
He also has a line of "student" mouthpieces which happen to be first class on a whole different level, and very inexpensive. Ask him about this "Premiere" line also.
Good luck,
JJM
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2002-09-30 13:06
In response to Laurie at Crane, it is worth it if you feel that it makes valuable improvements in your playing. Both make fine and well regarded mouthpieces. It is all up to you, your tastes, what you are looking for. It can't hurt to try new things. On the other hand, if you are happy with what you have, there may be no need. Good luck.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-09-30 13:45
To those considering one of Dan Johnston's gems; purchase from him at his studio for the best fitting.
Dan's genius is in cutting through typical player's prevarication and steering them toward the best fit he has available.
He freely admits that his gear may not suit everyone, so the process of fitting is essential, otherwise you could blow money on something that doesn't suit your needs.
Be prepared for two things;
Do it HIS way, he has your best results at heart.
(You are a playing advertisement for his skills.)
Bring carrots for the mule.
(The love of his life.)
This guy has a keen ear, and a feel for people.... worth the trip!
*********
No one has mentioned Dave Spiegelthal, a Woodwind regular who also makes mouthpieces of high quality at reasonable cost.
Dave is willing to send samples for trial.
For those of you that believe a mouthpiece must be expensive to be worth playing, these two makers may not be for you - reasonable $$.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Wayne R.
Date: 2002-09-30 18:02
My hearty thanks to all who so kindly offered their considered opinions on this very interesting website. Knowledge freely given is a wonderful gift indeed.
Happy playing to all!
Wayne R.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
