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Selmer vs. Vandoren Mouthpieces

Author: Slowoldman
Date: 2012-09-10 16:54

I have been out of the clarinet-playing "loop" for many (over 30) years while pursuing my career. Trying to return is a bit confusing because there are so many options!

I have previously played the Selmer HS* (originally in glass, now rubber refaced by BBehn) on my Buffet R-13. I am thinking about moving to a slightly less "finicky/demanding" mpc. Or should I say "more forgiving"?

Has anyone played both the HS* and the Vandy M13 Lyre or M15, and can provide me with some comparison of their playing and characteristics? The "numbers" on tip openings, etc., don't really tell me much; and I would appreciate the experience of others, before I start blindly ordering mouthpieces to try. And do I still need to try several of the same mpc, or has quality control improved?

Thanks for any and all replies!

Amateur musician, retired physician
Delaware Valley Wind Symphony, clarinet 1
Bucks County Symphony Orchestra, clarinet 2 (sub)

Post Edited (2012-09-10 17:43)

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Re: Selmer vs. Vandoren Mouthpieces

Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2012-09-10 17:55

During my high-school and college days (many years ago!) my favorite mouthpiece was an HS* crystal. I don't recall having reed problems, but when I broke it (as we often do) I began a search for a hard-rubber alternative. Since then I've played a Fobes CF (non-Zinner) and VD M13Lyre. I'm now playing on a VD B4013, but I can still play my old HS*, Fobes or VD M13Lyre with a suitable reed. Of these, I feel like both the Fobes and M13Lyre feel/perform better, with the Fobes having a more similar "feel" to the HS*. I played the Fobes for several years before switching to the M13Lyre as it had a bigger sound.

I haven't tried them yet, but the Rico Reserve mouthpieces have been well received and the X0 facing might be a possibility for you considering that Mark Nuccio (Asst Principal NY Phil) was involved in their design and has (on various web-sites and blogs) expressed praise for good [although perhaps refaced] HS* mouthpieces.

Bob Barnhart

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