 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: klim
Date: 2018-01-03 02:12
I'm getting my Normandy ready to sell and want to include a new, inexpensive but good quality mouthpiece. Current choice is between Rico Graftonite B5 and Selmer 7711-3 Goldentone #3, both under $20. Any comments on which of these two, or another, would be better?
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2018-01-03 03:39
The key word is NEW. The Rico mouthpieces haven't been made in years. I'm not sure about the Selmer's so it might be hard to find a new Rico. Maybe check on ebay for a new mouthpiece like a Yamaha, Bundy? Anything is better than the Rico. A major disappointment for Rico.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2018-01-03 04:27)
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Author: klim
Date: 2018-01-03 03:56
Just two sources for new Ricos:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/woodwinds/rico-graftonite-clarinet-mouthpiece/463706000803000
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rico-Graftonite-Bb-Clarinet-Mouthpiece-B5/132006142944?hash=item1ebc2de3e0:g:NNcAAOSwh1paIaT6
Maybe New Old Stock?
Post Edited (2018-01-03 03:58)
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Author: Doug Leach
Date: 2018-01-03 04:00
I'm not familiar with either of the ones you list. Assume you're looking for an introductory student mouthpiece. I think there's probably a consensus here that the best value would either be a Fobes Debut or Behn overture, both of which are essentially the same. The Hite premier is also the same, but the Fobes and Behn's facings have been hand finished to some degree for consistency. My daughter played on her overture for about 4 years. She eventually moved her to an old Buffet E&S on a Chedville blank which Nathan Beaty had refaced.
Doug
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2018-01-03 05:06
I'd go for the Fobes Debut or the Hite premier. Both play better that their price would indicate. Avoid the Rico Graftonite, it is a truly bad mouthpiece.
Tony F.
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Author: klim
Date: 2018-01-03 05:51
Just the kind of advice I was looking for. What a great group. Thanks to all.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2018-01-03 06:00
I tested a variety of mouthpieces on my Normandys, and found that, among inexpensive mouthpieces, the Hite Premiere best compliments the tuning tendencies of these instruments.
Regarding the Rico Graftonite: Equipping a Normandy with one may make you personally responsible for a student quitting the clarinet. Could your conscience handle that?
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2018-01-03 09:25
Behn Overture is only $35, give or take. It’s really worth the extra couple bucks for something that actually works (the Fobes Debut can be decent as well). The Rico grafonite isn’t even a good door stop.
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Author: donald
Date: 2018-01-03 15:21
@Doug Leach- your daughter probably has a real gem with that E+S. Many years ago Dave Etheridge had one (E&S ched blank) that Brad Behn had refaced for him, it played like a dream and I ended up borrowing it for a few months and playing it for a recital and big competition... eventually I had to return it but hoped to buy it off him. Next thing Dr E lent it to this very promising little kid called Chad Burrows, who went on to do very well for himself. I never learned what became of that mouthpiece, but it was very very nice!
dn
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