 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jim
Date: 1999-08-19 13:26
I recently bought a Vandoren 5RV mouthpiece. This new
mouthpiece plays definitely in better tune than my old
one which had a tendency to drift way sharp. Also
the forte is much stronger than I could get with the
old one.
However the tone sounds just a little bit fuzzy, and lacks
the purity I can get with the old one. What does this mean?
1. I need a little harder reed (currently using ML-3).
2. There are imperfections in the mouthpiece.
3. I need to change my embrochure in some way.
4. The tone is actually fine and I shouln't worry
about it.
Obviously I don't expect comments on whether the tone
is good or not, but would like to hear any other thoughts.
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Author: Becky
Date: 1999-08-19 22:09
Hi Jim,
I have a Vandoren 5RV Lyre. The two mps are similar only the lyre mp is has a more closed facing. Since your mp is a bit more open, you can get a better tone and response if you use softer reeds. I would suggest using Vandoren tradit. strength 3 ( 3 1/2 at most) or Glotin 500s at either 3 or 3 1/2. A ligature that may reduce fuzziness and increase response is a Bonade. These are just suggestions, I can't guarantee that your tone will be 100% improved because I don't have your exact mp, just one very similar to it.
Another cause for the fuzzy sound you are getting could be that your reed is too saturated, or/and needs to be sanded down a bit. Sometimes reeds develop a build-up of cane and can dampen or make the tone less focused. If you just lightly sand it down with 400-600 grain sandpaper then that will smooth away the excecss scruff and improve the tone. Also, another reason why the reed may sound bad is because it's warped. A way to check if a reed is warped is to lay the reed right-side up on a flat surface (glass is good. If you can see that the reed doesn't lie evenly--it rocks back and forth--then it's warped. Sanding the reed lightly in a circular motion will fix this problem.
Give it and try and tell me your results!
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Author: Dee
Date: 1999-08-20 03:32
Jim wrote:
-------------------------------
I recently bought a Vandoren 5RV mouthpiece. This new
mouthpiece plays definitely in better tune than my old
one which had a tendency to drift way sharp. Also
the forte is much stronger than I could get with the
old one.
However the tone sounds just a little bit fuzzy, and lacks
the purity I can get with the old one. What does this mean?
1. I need a little harder reed (currently using ML-3).
2. There are imperfections in the mouthpiece.
3. I need to change my embrochure in some way.
4. The tone is actually fine and I shouln't worry
about it.
Obviously I don't expect comments on whether the tone
is good or not, but would like to hear any other thoughts.
-------------------------------
1. Very possibly a harder reed is required. The insert that comes with the mouthpiece recommends the equivalent of regular Vandoren 3.5 to 4.5 reeds. That means the softest reed to use in the Mitchell Lurie would be a #4 reed. You will have to use more breath support with this reed/mouthpiece combo.
2. Possible but it probably wouldn't lead to a fuzzy sound.
3. Your embouchure probably does need to become accustomed to the new setup. This tends to be subconscious, subtle adjustments. Just playing should do the job. Also, your embouchure needs to be more consistent and correct so you will probably need to pay closer attention to it for a while.
4. I really suspect that the answers to 1 through 3 plus my number 5 below should make a difference.
5. Breath support is essential to good tone. This does not mean a large quanity of air. It means that the air has good, stronger pressure driving it whether you are playing piano or forte.
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Author: col
Date: 1999-08-20 12:52
I just bought a 5RV mp as well. I think they deffinately require harder reeds i use V12 Vandoren currently using size 3 and a half but will probably go to 4. Interesting that you find you can get a bigger sound, my teacher was more concerned i would have trouble getting the same amount of projection compared to my old mp. I have also heard that the 5RV can giver you a reedy sound although must admit i absolutely love it and the great sound im getting at the moment, but i have only had it for two days.
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Author: Jim
Date: 1999-08-23 14:37
3. Your embouchure probably does need to become accustomed to the new setup. This tends to be subconscious, subtle adjustments. Just playing should do the job. Also, your embouchure needs to be more consistent and correct so you will probably need to pay closer attention to it for a while.
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This sounds just about right. The tone is definitely
improving with more playing time even though I'm not
making any concious changes. Perhaps a little more
air pressure and a new reed are contributing.
Thanks for all the responses.
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