 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kjanakjr
Date: 2010-02-23 05:08
I'm a bit frustrated with my current Eb setup and would like to investigate some different mouthpieces to possibly darken the sound. I'm playing on an older Noblet with a Vandoren 2RV, Rovner ligature, Scott barrel and Vandoren White Master Bb #3.5 reeds. At times, the tone just seems too metallic for me. I've read that the Vandoren B40 can play a bit darker...are there any others that I should try that would be darker than my 2RV? Is it possible to get a thicker/darker sound with my Noblet? Thanks for your input.
Ken
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2010-02-23 05:43
Sometime you just have to accept the fact that the E-Flat clarinet is a very bright instrument. It is known for being the big-little instrument with super high ear-piercing sound. The thing that you can definitely do to darken your sound if at all is get a new barrel or bell. Those can cost you though. But, you if you're really looking for a new Eb mouthpiece, you should consider also a custom made one if you have the funds for it. Walter Grabner and Gregory Smith have excellent Eb clarinet mouthpieces. If you can afford it, I'd definitely consider it. I personally own a Greg Smith mouthpiece and have owned a Grabner so, check it out. I used to have the 5rv mouthpiece a long time ago, but wanted something better. You can check out the B40 as well. I'm interested to see what other fellow players will say to you on here. Hope this info helps a little.
Post Edited (2010-02-23 05:48)
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2010-02-23 11:47
Vandoren B40 with White Master 3.0 is my choice. I can play anything with that combo. Pair that with a quality Eb and you are golden!
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Author: William
Date: 2010-02-23 14:24
Cut down Bb clarinet reeds may give you a more subdued sound. They work on both my Charles Bay & Selmer HS** mpcies. My effer: Yamaha 681 w/Fobes ext. FWIW, I use Forestone #4.25 Bb's cut short to fit.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-02-23 15:07
William, the White Master IS a Bb reed. It's designed for German mouthpieces, so it's a tad narrower, but you still have to cut them down because of the differences in length between the reed and the mouthpiece table.
Jeff
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-02-23 19:31
It's always possible to get a darker sound if you work at it, even on an Eb clarinet. I suggest you try several MPs to see if one doesn't give you the tone you're looking for. You should first try some of the major clarinet mail order stores and have them send you 3-4 to try on a trial basis. That would be the least expensive way to try several before going on to some of the custom MPs.
Also, I've found that using a regular Bb reed with the bark end cut off to fit you could get a darker tone because the reed is wider. It's at least worth a try. Don't worry if it's slightly wider than the MP, if it works it doesn't matter, if it doesn't than don't use them. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: William
Date: 2010-02-23 19:33
Thanks, Jeff. I'm not familiar with the WM reeds. However, it's the wider Bb tip that I find desirable. My Bay effer mpc is designed for them, but they also seem to work on my vintage Selmer HS**. Works for me.......
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Author: kjanakjr
Date: 2010-02-23 22:42
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.
Having not played many different brands of Eb clarinets, would the Noblet be considered generally brighter than a Buffet, Selmer, Yamaha or Leblanc pro model? I'm not in a position to purchase a new Eb right now, so I'm looking to tweak my setup with mouthpiece, reed, barrel, extension etc. I guess my bottom line question is whether or not I can achieve a richer, less shrill sound on a Noblet, or is this instrument just inherently brighter? I know I probably can't get the sound of pro model on this Noblet but I would like to tame this beast a bit. I know the Eb will always be brighter than a Bb, but I want more body and core to the sound.
Thanks,
Ken
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2010-02-24 00:37
^I have tried the V12 reed for Eb clarinet. And personally, it still doesn't beat a regular Bb reed either chopped down or on a barrel with cutout. It just makes the sound a lot warmer and richer and not as shrill. But, it's all preference, but I tried getting a nice sound with the V12, but meh, I don't really care for it.
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