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Mouthpieces

Author: jims
Date: 2009-08-03 05:20

I recently got back to playing clarinet and rediscovered a passion. But I'm having trouble with tone.

I have a Buffet R-13, so no fault there, and I have a Selmer C* and a Selmer HS* mouthpiece. I backed off to Vanduran 2.5 reeds and that helped, but I still feel like I'm fighting the mouthpiece and my tone seems very "pinched". I'm also having trouble going across the "break" cleanly.

I know everyone is different and different mouthpieces work better or worse for individuals, but I'm open to suggestions. I'd like a mouthpiece that is very open and gives me a broad tone.

Thanks.

Jim

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Re: Mouthpieces

Author: EEBaum
Date: 2009-08-03 05:27

While mouthpiece issues may affect the break to some degree, I find it's much more often a case of finger coordination and/or instrument condition. You might look there before expecting a mouthpiece to make things better.

Feeling like you're fighting the mouthpiece, though, would be quite likely alleviated with a different mouthpiece.

I've liked my Richard Hawkins "B" mouthpiece for the past 6 years or so, but I really haven't tried a large enough variety of mouthpieces to make a meaningful recommendation. I do find it a huge step up from my old Vandoren 5RV Lyre, though.

-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com

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Re: Mouthpieces

Author: RAB
Date: 2009-08-03 12:05

Try a Vandoren B45, it might be what you are looking for. A lot of my saxophone playing friends use this on clarinet because they say it get a "big" sound. Might be worth a try.

RAB

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Re: Mouthpieces

Author: Sambo 933
Date: 2009-08-03 14:08

The B45 is good, Vandoren's "m series" is better.
I use to use an HS* when I switched to a B45 I found it much easier to produce a big and warm sound.
My favorite now is the M 15.

If I were you I would order a few different models from a reputable dealer on a trial bases and see which one works best for you.
The right mouthpiece really can make a huge difference.

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