 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: michinoku
Date: 2007-07-06 14:29
I'm asking specifically about a bass clarinet, but I imagine the answer would be the same for any single reed instrument, no?
I bought a pair of mouthpieces on ebay, used, so there were no specific measurements or reed strength suggestions.
Generally, I can get a decent tone in all registers using a 3 reed on these mouthpieces, but I tend to get a squeak just about every time I tongue a note. I'm using a fabric ligature and I've messed with the position just about every way I can.
I'm hoping this is a problem I can start to correct by changing my reed rather than my mouthpiece. I definitely can't afford another mouthpiece right now.
-m
-for the record, I don't know the measurements of these mouthpieces, but one is by "The Woodwind Company" and one is from "King" - not sure if either are in production any longer.
Post Edited (2007-07-06 14:33)
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Author: michinoku
Date: 2007-07-06 14:41
also, goes to show how much I actually know, but -
Generally, the smaller the mouthpiece opening, the stiffer the reed? I know there's probably a dozen more factors to consider, but I will discover these in time.
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Author: grifffinity
Date: 2007-07-06 14:50
When talking about reeds, squeaking is usually caused by a soft or unbalanced reed - not a hard reed. I'd suggest experiementing with slightly harder reeds, not softer.
Quote:
Generally, the smaller the mouthpiece opening, the stiffer the reed? I know there's probably a dozen more factors to consider
If we are just talking about the tip opening, this is generally true. However, you can have a small tip opening and a short facing curve, which would use a lighter reed. The longer the facing, the harder the reed - usually. But again - every person is different. A 3.5 strength on the same mouthpiece may be hard for one person and soft for another.
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Author: William
Date: 2007-07-06 14:54
You need to: 1) find a reed that is balanced to your mpc(s) facing or balance the reed(s) you are using; (I like Legeres for bass and use a #3.0 on my Grabner CXBS mpc); 2) have you new (old) mpcs refaced to correct any warping that may have occured over time with use; 3) have your bass checked for leaks that may cause excessive chirps or other playing problems;
Generally, if a reed is too stiff, it will be hard to produce a sound. If the reed is too soft, it will play easily in the low register but will tend to close off or "choke" in the upper range. Chirps may occure with any reed strength--and usually at a most inappropriate time even with the best of equipement :>)
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Author: michinoku
Date: 2007-07-06 16:00
the mouthpieces were inspected when I got the horn overhauled, so I'm pretty certain the equipment is in good shape.
I'll try some stronger reed strengths and report back.
I vaguely remember some company website with a ridiculously intricate set of mouthpiece diagrams and charts - do y'all have any recommendations for that kind of general knowledge about all the parts/measurements of the mouthpiece so I can start making more conscious choices in my accessorizing. I've gotten lucky so far, but that will only last so long.
thanks again.
-m
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Author: 2E
Date: 2007-07-07 00:52
Theres a great mouthpiece facing/tip opening comparison chart on the vandoren website. Although it only maps the models in the vandoren line. Theres another good mouthpiece comparison chart on the pomarico website. It maps models in terms of resistance I think, across most of the well known mouthpiece makers. Check them out, there are some good diagrams and charts out there that will help you understand what everything means/does haha.
http://www.vandoren.com/en/tab3.html
http://www.pomaricompieces.com/pop1.html
Hope this helps, 2E
Post Edited (2007-07-07 01:10)
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