 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Craig.
Date: 2010-01-31 00:29
So I've decided to upgrade my old mouthpiece which is a Vandoren B-45 to a Fobes after hearing numerous good things about them. I'm not sure which one to get though, either these two.
http://www.wwbw.com/Clark-W-Fobes-Cicero-Series-Clarinet-Mouthpieces-471446-i1427832.wwbw
http://www.wwbw.com/Clark-W-Fobes-San-Francisco-Bb-Clarinet-Mouthpieces-471452-i1427849.wwbw?mode=1
Also, knowing which size would be most relative to the B-45 would be helpful too.
Right now I'm using a Leblanc Infinite and Vandoren 56 Rue Lepic size 4 reeds.
Thanks
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Author: Ed
Date: 2010-01-31 00:53
It is very hard to say, as these two models, while both excellent, are somewhat different and it would depend on your taste. You might take a look at:
http://www.clarkwfobes.com/mp-chart.html
The best way to know is to play them. He has a good variety of facings and styles to suit just about anyone.
Try contacting Clark with your questions. He is very helpful and good about answering any questions. He should be able to give you some insight.
Post Edited (2010-01-31 09:27)
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2010-01-31 01:32
I just got a new CF+ model about 2 months ago that I reeeeally like. However, that's not close to a B45, since it has a much closer tip opening and I think a tiny bit longer facing, making it needed to use much harder reeds than a B45. But contact Clark and tell him what you are looking for, and he will help you. Clark Fobes and Greg Smith are like the best guys that work with you to help you get what you want.
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Author: TPeterson
Date: 2010-02-01 23:46
When you get a chance to try these mouthpieces let us know what you think. I currently play on a Vandoren M30 and found the CF+ facing on the Fobes Debut (fabulous student mouthpiece!) to have a similar feel. Like you, I would also like to compare a San Francisco and a Cicero, but won't be able to for a couple of months yet. Have fun!
Tim Peterson
Band Director & Clarinetist
Ionia, MI
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-02-08 02:20
No one can tell you which one is best for you, no one. You just have to try them to know. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: gwie
Date: 2010-02-09 16:57
Allow me to rave about the Fobes Debut mouthpieces (for clarinet and saxophone!). Many of my students use them, and they are a huge improvement over the stock garbage that comes with most entry-level instruments...
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Author: Paul Miller
Date: 2010-02-09 19:15
Fobes CWF (0.96mm) here. Previously on a CF+ (1.04mm) and before that on a 2L (1.00mm). Seems like I'm moving towards narrower and narrower tip openings...
Clark's mouthpieces are all excellent. I've been using his gear for the last five years and haven't had any problems at all.
Post Edited (2010-02-09 19:17)
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2010-02-10 04:22
I think you might have confused the tip openings for the CF+ and the 2L. Theu're actually the opposite that CF+ is 1.00mm approx and the 2L is 1.04mm approx.
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Author: Paul Miller
Date: 2010-02-10 04:54
You're right, I had the wrong measurements for the CF+ and the 2L.
Now that I look at my notes, my first Fobes mpc was the 2L, not the CF+
Good catch, thanks!
Paul
Post Edited (2010-02-10 04:55)
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2010-02-10 11:44
Paul I see that the CWF is a asymmetrical faced mouthpiece. I've heard Tom Ridenour advice against asymmetrical facings many many times due to being very picky on reed adjustment and securing respond and color is very difficult. Is it really difficult to find good reeds and balance them on a asymmetrical facing or just this particular mouthpiece you have ?
Tom really does not talk about the advantages of asymmetrical facing so could you tell me(us) what the advantages of it are ?
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Author: Ed
Date: 2010-02-10 12:41
I have used Clark's mouthpieces for many years. I have used a CF+ extensively and more recently have played the CWF. I have played other asymetrical facings and often found them extremely difficult to play and match reeds.
I found the CWF to be a great mouthpiece with easy response and a lovely round tone with nice depth. I have no troubles with reeds. It was only after playing it for a while that I found( much to my surprise) that it was asymetrical. I asked Clark about this and he told me that the asymmetry was very slight. I believe the difference may be that some of those that I have not liked are more extreme.
Clark's approach is very subtle and this mouthpiece plays much like many good Kaspars that I have played.
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2010-02-10 14:50
Paul - only reason I caught it is 'cause I too myself play a wonderful CF+. Just got it about 2 months ago. Love it.
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Author: Paul Miller
Date: 2010-02-10 16:27
I haven't done anything different to balance these reeds than I would have done on any other mouthpiece.
Here's where I start the conjecture - this is only a guess! I tend to use a bit more pressure on the left side of the window, and I suspect the reed contacts the mouthpiece at approximately same point on both left and right sides.
I'm not really sure how an asymmetrical facing might help... Another guess: maybe it improves wave propagation starting on the deep side of the window by having a more distant fulcrum? This might allow you to more easily begin tones on denser/stronger reeds, so you can get a very clean articulation as well as an easy time in the soft dynamics. Again, these are all just guesses...
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Author: RoBass
Date: 2010-02-11 12:10
Here's a link to a comparation table:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Aq_ZBRsq8xGFdGpOckdCeEh2bUZLUlNCd1N6RHlFaWc&hl=en
If necessary, please mail to me at: rollo13@gmx.net. I'll send you the XLS-list for better sorting...
kindly
Roman
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2010-02-11 13:45
Is this list from your own measurement because from what I know the Grabner K11 has 18mm facing and 1.01-1.03 mm opening and the K14 has 18 mm facing and 1.07-1.09mm opening
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-02-11 14:13
Another error on the Grabner info in the spreadsheet is that you list Grabner's mouthpieces as "ebony/wood." They are made from hard rubber.
Jeff
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-02-11 16:42
Go farther to the right on the spereadsheet. You have to scroll across.
Jeff
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