 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: aalex
Date: 2019-09-29 05:08
Hello everyone,
It seems like all my clarinets are 442 Hz-pitched, and I always play with 440 Hz-pitched tuning. I am thinking about getting a new mouthpiece that is a bit closer to what I'm used to - I currently play on a Vandoren 5JB and a Vandoren AT45. (similar to their B45)
I was considering the D'Addario Reserve X10 mouthpiece, but then it also comes in its X10E variation, which is 442-Hz pitched. (as opposed to 441 Hz, for the X10)
Now, if I want my pitch to be as close as possible to 440 Hz, should I go for the X10, not the X10E?
(I am also considering getting a longer barrel, because my 64 mm barrel seems a bit short)
Thank you!
Best regards.
Alexandre Quessy
Software developer for new media arts
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-09-29 06:15
For many clarinets a 65 or even 66 mm barrel is standard. I'd start there if you don't NEED a mouthpiece.
.............Paul Aviles
Post Edited (2019-09-29 08:07)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2019-09-29 12:21
64mm is definitely too short, so go for a 66mm barrel if you're playing a Buffet.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2019-09-29 16:52
I don't see a mention of your instrument in your post. So, what clarinet are you playing?
Karl
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2019-10-01 06:21
Some mouthpiece companies make them now. The Vandoren BD5's have a special model you can order which tunes to 442. The tip openings are a bit too open. I have one model also, depending if you play on Buffets. I'm sure a few of the others make them, I think maybe Pyne. I've had great luck with adjusting early Pyne's. His mouthpieces are sometimes shorter in length and play very well.
As posted above it depends on your horn, the barrel, and how the mouthpiece will tune or hinder your tuning. It's a science for sure, finding the right setup and it can take some time.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: aalex
Date: 2019-10-11 23:49
I currently play a 1980 Buffet-Crampon Evette, (basically the same as a B12) but I am waiting for a 2008 Buffet-Crampon E11 that is being repaired. Both are 442-pitched, according to all the documentation I could find.
So, if my clarinet is 442-pitched, should I make sure I have a 66 mm barrel, and that my mouthpiece is 440-pitched, if I want to play 440-pitched?
Thank you!
Alexandre Quessy
Software developer for new media arts
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-10-11 23:55
It all does not work that way. First you need to play your instrument and mouthpiece together and use a tuner to check where YOU are at. Don't worry about any documentation or what we say (necessarily). Once you establish where your notes fall (generally high, generally low, relatively around A=440) then make adjustments from there.
I also wanted to add that you need some play in where your pitch is vs. the ability to bring it up or down at a moments notice. If I don't have at least a 2mm gap between my barrel and top joint I actually begin to suffer from anxiety issues!
...........Paul Aviles
Post Edited (2019-10-12 00:53)
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Author: pewd
Date: 2019-10-12 01:40
E11's come with 64.5mm barrels and play at a-442.
Try a 66mm barrel.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Max S-D
Date: 2019-10-13 06:31
I just pulled out my tuner and did some testing with my R13. The difference for me between tuning to A442 and A440 is about 2mm (maybe a little less) of pushing in/pulling out the barrel.
Could you just pull out 2mm?
It's amazing to me how much energy we expend worrying about 440/442.
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Author: Burt
Date: 2019-10-13 17:27
A 442 pitch is less than 10 cents sharp vs 440. Playing alone, that should be no problem. Can you hit a pitch consistently within 10 cents? Playing with somebody else, it's more important to listen and match pitch.
Pulling out 2mm at the barrel to make B4 or C5 in tune will make the throat tones very flat. I suggest you pull out very slightly (~0.5mm) at the barrel, then 1mm or so between the joints to make the clarinet APPROXIMATELY in tune with itself and somewhere near 440.
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