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Re: Advice on mouthpieces

Author: Robert Moody
Date: 2005-02-19 15:23

Hey Sanya. First of all, good for you playing clarinet and looking to find out what you can do to get better. That instrument from the school could be better than you might think despite the situation (rental, etc.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Advice One ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There will be a LOT of advice coming very soon, but I wanted to put something into your thought process to use when considering everyone's remarks about the "best" mouthpieces: The clarinet and mouthpiece work together.

Okay, I know that sounds rather rudimentary but that the point is missed so often demands I mention it. With that said, I suggest that you do not shoot for a $150 to $300 "Super-duper Special Person's Name Here"-brand. My suggestion is that you go for a solid, dependable professional mouthpiece that quite often professionals use as back-ups to their $150 to $300 "Super-duper Special Person's Name Here"-brand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Advice Two ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reeds and mouthpieces work together! Okay, okay. More classic advice that even my Downs brother has figured out. Nevertheless, I submit that you consider when you move up to a professional level mouthpiece, you need to think about quality reeds. So I will also offer advice on a solid route for choosing reeds.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Suggestion ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

With those two simple points mentioned, I would like to suggest a single name; Vandoren.

The reason I suggest Vandoren is dependability, time-tested, usability, popularity. This goes for both the reeds and mouthpieces.

In mouthpieces consider the "RV" series from Vandoren. My personal experience was that my first "professional" mouthpiece was a 2RV on a mid-level wood Noblet (Leblanc) clarinet. I have tried many of the Vandoren mouthpieces and think for simple, generic, solid response, tone and good for reeds, the RVs seem fine. I would recommend going to a local store and asking to try several with your clarinet.

[Disclaimer: I am in no way suggesting that the other models and/or brands are not just as suitable. My recommendation is made from experience with young people moving up that these mouthpieces are dependable and a good choice for introduction into professional level equipment.]

Later, when you've worked up into investing into a professional clarinet, I would suggest then that you consider finding that $150 to $300 "Super-duper Special Person's Name Here"-brand. Certainly, the Vandoren mouthpieces will be more than suffice until then.

As for reeds, let me put my coat of gusari on and say that I've played with a number of different reeds over the years and Vandorens (I use V12s) are a solid contender and fit the Vandoren mouthpieces quite well (go figure [cool]

). Only advice there is don't buy a box of 10 if you are changing reeds. Buy three or four individual reeds and see how you like the change.

One last thing about purchasing the (any) mouthpiece: Do not go to the store knowing you are coming home "with a mouthpiece". You HAVE a mouthpiece right now and it plays. Make sure when you go to the store you are buying something BETTER, not just something new. Take your time and play the mouthpieces on YOUR clarinet with different reeds. If none of them "speak to you", then find another store or different mouthpieces to try. Even though the Vandorens run in the $50 to $100 range, it is still not throw-away money. You could very well take that mouthpiece to college and play your first professional gigs quite successfully on it! Please, don't just go and buy one because you are excited (unless, of course, you are a millionaire and can buy 20 or 30 mouthpieces at a whim...but then you wouldn't be waiting to buy a clarinet either, would you [right]

). Make sure it is the best one for you and do not be afraid to leave the store without it. I doubt very seriously that it will not be there if you decide to come back after trying others.

Anyway...I'm rambling—a technique I've developed to make hour lessons for 9 and 10-year-olds pass by quicker. [right]

Why parents thing 9-year-olds MUST have an hour lesson is a mystery to me.

Good luck and be sure to read all the advice. These people offer some gems at times!

Robert Moody
http://www.musix4me.com
Free Clarinet Lessons and Digital Library!

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Advice on mouthpieces new

sanya

2005-02-19 12:26