 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Nasubi77
Date: 2008-06-12 18:18
Forgive me if I act like a newbie...it's been a while since I've played...
I was a music major in college more than 10 years ago. At that time, my clarinet prof. made me get a Gigliotti mouthpiece (don't know which model or facing). I never really liked it, but used it through 2 years of college.
Now, after a long hiatus from playing, I'm going to join a community orchestra. My old mouthpiece and reeds are waaaaaaayyy too hard for me to play on now that I've lost my chops. I don't know what I've done with my (Bb) clarinet's original mouthpiece. (Buffet E-11)
I really don't know what all the facings mean....so I need in plain and simple terms:
a mouthpiece suitable for, I'd say the equivalent of an intermediate high school level of player. One that will produce a good hearty sound, even with a little bit of sloppy embouchure. I plan on getting some softer reeds as well. I was playing on Vandoren #4's, so I'm considering getting some #2's and if I handle those pretty well (or after I've practiced some!) maybe up it to a #3.
Thanks for your help!
Susan
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Author: Ed
Date: 2008-06-12 18:39
How much do you wish to spend? You could get a Fobes Debut for about $30 which will work great, or step up to his intermediate mouthpiece, the Nova which is a huge bargain at about $90. It is hand finished and plays like something that costs two or three times as much. You can get either at
http://www.muncywinds.com
I am sure you will get many suggestions, but Clark's work is some of the best out there. There have been some recent postings about his work.
Post Edited (2008-06-13 10:35)
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Author: Nasubi77
Date: 2008-06-12 18:57
What a small world...
I find it absolutely amazing that you referred me to Muncy....
It's in Boone, of course. I was a music major at Appalachian State!
Thanks for the advice! I was really wanting to keep it under $50, but that Nova sounds really tempting.....
Anyone else?
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Author: sbrodt54
Date: 2008-06-12 19:53
Nasubi77,
There is a mouthpiece offered by one of the regular contributors to this site, it's an intermediate model Gennusa that sells for about $30, it plays a lot like a pro model but with less resistance. Please also consider the normal 4c Yamaha piece, they play very well too and cost about the same. If you get the chance, take your reeds into the store near you and play as best as you can on all three, I'm pretty sure they are avaliable all over the USA.
As you build up some strength in your performance you might like a piece with more resistance but that will be a bit in the future. Until then play on a really good student/intermediate piece and have fun!
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Author: Keith P
Date: 2008-06-13 05:48
You could buy a zinner blank mouthpiece from muncy; they are only around $52 and they will last you a long time and do everything you need it to and more. I think you will find the sound more pleasant than the cheaper ones recommended. I suppose an A model 1+ facing would do you well as it is a nice intermediate facing.
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Author: William
Date: 2008-06-13 14:48
"My old mouthpiece and reeds are waaaaaaayyy too hard for me to play on now that I've lost my chops. I don't know what I've done with my (Bb) clarinet's original mouthpiece. (Buffet E-11)"
Welcome back to clarinetting, but I wonder, how did you beat out all the other area clarinetists for this orchestra gig who still have their chops and have not lost their mouthpiecies?? A community band would be a more likely opportunity to restart your playing career........
Nontheless, I second the suggestion to try a Yamaha 4c--inexpensive and quite playable even by 6th grade beginners. And when you lose it, you'll easily afford its replacement.....LOL
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Author: Nasubi77
Date: 2008-06-13 17:27
"Welcome back to clarinetting, but I wonder, how did you beat out all the other area clarinetists for this orchestra gig who still have their chops and have not lost their mouthpiecies?? A community band would be a more likely opportunity to restart your playing career........"
About "losing" the mouthpiece...As I said, my clarinet prof. made me replace the original one with the Gigliotti, hmmm, about 13 years ago now. So, in 13 years, and several moves, yes, the original got misplaced. You didn't have to be such a smartass about it.
And, I would prefer to be in a symphonic band setting, but that is not available in my community, so I'm "stuck" playing with the orchestra if I want to play. This is a non-audition group, completely run by volunteers (except the conductor, who does receive some minimal salary for his job).
Back in my prime, I was quite good (Principal chair for Appalachian State's Symphonic Band for 2 years, thankyouverymuch)...my fingers are still nimble (as I have kept up my piano playing), and if there WAS an audition, I'm sure I could fare well against the high schoolers and retired 60+ crowd who are typical of this orchestra.
"Nonetheless" thanks for the Yamaha suggestion....
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Author: Mabelline
Date: 2008-06-13 19:49
"... and if there WAS an audition, I'm sure I could fare well against the ... 60+ crowd who are typical of this orchestra."
Hooooooooooooeeeeeeeeee, child! I resemble that remark!
If you read through all the mouthpiece threads that have appeared on this Board over the years, I expect you will find that every mouthpiece known to man (and some that aren't) has been recommended by someone ... and condemned by someone else. My advice when it comes to mouthpiece selection is "don't pay any attention to the recommendations you read on this Board." Find yourself a music store (Muncy would be great if you live within a few hours' drive) and try some on your own.
Since you play an E11, however, there is one mouthpiece that has received recent mention on this Board that you might want to think about -- the Rico Graftonite.
Here are some quotes from a recent mouthpiece thread:
Donald Nichols (a first rate professional from New Zealand) writes, "... surely the Rico Graftonite should rate a mention"
Similarly, a long-time poster, Synonymous Botch writes: "Personally, I like the Rico Graftonite - they're tremendously durable" -- echoing Board moderator GBK's comment that they are "indestructible."
David Blumberg, a professional from Philadelphia and frequent poster points out, "remember that for a while Buffet was including them with the E-11 Clarinets." So it could well be that this is the very mouthpiece you loved and lost.
The one problem is that I don't think Rico makes them anymore. However, GBK has a few "extras" and he might be willing to sell you one if the price is right. (Heck, he's such a generous feller, he might give you one.)
Love y'all,
M
Second Clarinet, Orchestra of the Hills
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Author: GBK
Date: 2008-06-13 20:13
Mabelline wrote:
> Since you play an E11, however, there is one mouthpiece that
> has received recent mention on this Board that you might want
> to think about -- the Rico Graftonite.
>
> Here are some quotes from a recent mouthpiece thread:
>
> Donald Nichols (a first rate professional from New Zealand)
> writes, "... surely the Rico Graftonite should rate a mention"
>
>
> Similarly, a long-time poster, Synonymous Botch writes:
> "Personally, I like the Rico Graftonite - they're tremendously
> durable" -- echoing Board moderator GBK's comment that they are
> "indestructible."
>
> David Blumberg, a professional from Philadelphia and frequent
> poster points out, "remember that for a while Buffet was
> including them with the E-11 Clarinets." So it could well be
> that this is the very mouthpiece you loved and lost.
>
> The one problem is that I don't think Rico makes them anymore.
> However, GBK has a few "extras" and he might be willing to sell
> you one if the price is right. (Heck, he's such a generous
> feller, he might give you one.)
Funniest posting of the week.
It just shows that by using carefully selected, out of context, quotes - anything can look good ![[wink]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie3.gif) ...GBK
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Author: Ed
Date: 2008-06-13 20:52
>It just shows that by using carefully selected, out of context, quotes - anything can look good ...GBK
Isn't that how our national elections work?
(oops, did I say that?!)
;-)
Post Edited (2008-06-13 20:55)
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-06-13 21:37
Well. My best spent clarinet-related 35 bucks ever were spent on a Behn Ouverture.
The only problem is that you haven't got my snout, nor have you got my clarient, so take this recommendation with a generous pinch of salt.
--
Ben
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