 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Gwynn
Date: 2007-10-16 20:34
Thank you for your replies to my inquire about mouthpieces. I went to my music lesson today and my teacher said that I should defiantly replace the mouthpiece. It was causing me to not be able to play certain notes.
I am a beginner with a ton of enthusiasm and what to be great right now. But practice practice practice is the name of the game and I don't mind a bit.
She said that I am still developing my embouchure and has me working in the H Klose method book. She suggested a Vandoren mouthpiece (that they made a good quality mouthpiece) and thought that I should ask on the BB for suggestions that which one would be reed friendly and easy to blow for a beginner.
I thought that I would see what you all have to say. Just to remind you, I have an old 50’s Boosey and Hawkes Edgware and am using #2 Mitchell Lurie reeds, although she thought that I might want to start using Vandoren reeds.
I am so new to this all and want to make the right decisions. So if you can offer any advice that would be great. I need all the feedback that I can get.
Thanks for taking the time to read my note
Gwynn
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Author: timg
Date: 2007-10-16 21:09
I reckon that as a beginner, it's worth following the teacher's recommendation. She is unlikely to suggest anything outlandish, and she will be better able to teach you if she is familiar with the materials you are using.
The board will provide dozens of suggestions, but they'll all be different and you'll be none the wiser.
Tim
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Author: grifffinity
Date: 2007-10-17 01:40
Quote:
She suggested a Vandoren mouthpiece
Which model though? Did she give you any other information?
Vandoren makes many....many models of mouthpieces, so "a Vandoren" is pretty vague. Since you pay her, you should really ask her to be more specific about the model and request that she assist you in your mouthpiece search. By assist, I mean she should help you pick out a mouthpiece/reed combination that works best for you at this stage in your playing. Whether this help entails accompanying you to a store or a lesson or two spent on trying different mouthpieces you have ordered on trial through an online dealer - that is up to you and her.
I'm surprised your teacher would tell you to consult the BBoard for mouthpiece information when she sees you in person. Tim is correct - you will get different tips from every poster on this board.
Personally, I would forego Vandoren and trial a Gennusa Excellente - probably the GE* medium tip. They are very consistent and extremely reed friendly. You can trial these mouthpieces through most online dealers or via Ben Redwine, who is a BBoard sponser.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2007-10-17 02:33
The Vandorens are not particularly consistent from piece to piece, even within the same model designation. You could try out 6-10 of the same mouthpiece, and no two would be very much alike, if you are not in luck.
I can't even remember how many M13 pieces my daughter tried before she and her teacher found the "right" one.
Look at the Gennusa one http://www.redwinejazz.com or at a Clark Fobes Debut. Both are excellent mouthpieces for new players. Tom Ridenour at http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com also makes quite decent mouthpieces, including some for beginners.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
Post Edited (2007-10-17 02:34)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2007-10-17 10:44
The vandoren 5RV is probably a good choice. Players are probably more inconsistent than the mouthpieces.
Bob Draznik
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-10-17 11:29
>> The Vandorens are not particularly consistent from piece to piece, even within the same model designation. <<
Not always. My recent experience with five 5RV Lyre mouthpieces was that they were VERY consistent. There is a difference between consistently good and consistently the same. Those 5RV Lyres were also very good. Several B45 mouthpiece I've tried for soprano clarient were also very consistent, but B45s I've tried for bass clarinet were very different and mostly bad. I've tried a couple of same model "hand finished" mouthpieces from a "custom maker" and they were both excellet, and not the same at all.
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2007-10-17 12:20
When you trial mouthpieces say 2 of the same model from custom maker why would you like to try pieces that are almost consistently the same? Only if you are looking for back up piece. That's the good thing about trialing custom make mouthpieces. You know very much what you are going to get but with of the shelf mouthpiece like Vandoren it's a hit or miss.
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Author: Gwynn
Date: 2007-10-17 15:57
Great comments from all. This is a great forum for information and very helpful.
Thanks so much
Gwynn
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2007-10-17 19:47
. First, check for symmetry . In my experience many are not. Then try before buy. Morgan makes a fine mpc measuring kit, but keen eyesight will go a long way too. I have two Fobes Debuts and they are good value, and appropriate student design. There are many other makes as suggested,for trial.
richard smith
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2007-10-18 15:42
Best thing is go to a store and try a few. But I have known quite a few people (myself included) who liked 5RV a lot as a student.
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