 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: kjSean
Date: 2010-03-30 22:41
Hey guys.
I am in a bit of quandary here: I have the Vito 7212 Bb Clarinet.
Here are its descriptions: http://www.interstatemusic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10051&langId=-1&productId=900191648
Now, here is my story:
Today, I had the chance to play with my band teacher's Buffet R13. I had to use my own mouthpiece, which is a very cheap, $15 one.
I noticed that the sound it produced was not much different from my plastic one, despite it being around $2500 VS. $800.
I also came across a site about clarinets that said it's much better to have a good mouthpiece with a so-so body than the vice versa, and I felt like this was true in today's experience with the R13.
Besides, I realized that the 7212 is actually expensive for a "student model clarinet"...
I was looking forward to buying the Leblanc Bliss LB210, but it costs around $1000.
Do you think it'd be better if I simply buy a superior mouthpiece and use it with my 7212? What do you think? I am going into 9th grade next year and is planning on playing the clarinet until junior year.
And could you recommend some good mouthpieces for me?
Thank you!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2010-03-30 22:55
A good mouthpiece is an investment. You can continue to use it even if you decide to move up to a different instrument.
If you have the chance, let your band teacher play on yours, using his mouthpiece, of course. You may find out that he/she doesn't sound completely different.
A $15 mouthpiece...well. I think for just double that price you will find something vastly superior, like a Fobes Debut or a Behn Ouverture (or a Hite Premiere, or a hard-rubber Bundy Signature, or a HR Mitchell Lurie - all around 25..35$)
And while you're "doing" mouthpieces, also review your reed choice (not that there must be something wrong with what you're currently using, but a new beak might want some different reed...)
--
Ben
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-03-31 00:18
Ben's right. Most of the mouthpieces shipped with student clarinets are no more useful in producing music than a doorstop is. If you have a private teacher, ask him or her for a recommendation. If you don't take lessons, that would be the best investment you could make to begin with. Start with lessons, and then see what will make the biggest improvement in your quality of sound for the money you have to invest.
Also, what level are you at? What brand and strength of reeds do you currently use?
As a sidenote, I notiiced a HUGE difference in sound quality when I upgraded from my original student Bundy to a new (at the time) Buffet R13. If you don't notice a lot of improvement when playing a notionally superior clarinet, you should look elsewhere to improve before buying a new clarinet.
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 (2010-03-31 00:20)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: TPeterson
Date: 2010-03-31 00:43
I agree with the earlier posters. Start with a great mouthpiece/reed combination and when you have progressed far enough as a player that you can really tell the difference between a plastic Vito and a Buffet R13 -- consider a new instrument. :-)
Tim Peterson
Band Director & Clarinetist
Ionia, MI
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
