 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: gsurosey
Date: 2010-11-19 03:33
I'm looking into purchasing a new Bb mouthpiece. It won't be for a while as mine is ok, but it is getting some scratches on the table and the tip is ever so slightly nicked (I think I've had it since 2004 - it's a Vandoren 5RV series 13). I'm wondering what I should look into next (staying the same or trying something new). I will ask my teacher when I remember, but I figured as long as I'm here, I'd get some opinions.
I currently play on Buffet R13s (394,xxx and 409,xxx). Depending on which barrel I happen to pull out of the case, I have both a Moennig and a Chadash that I use on both the Bb and the A (they're both 64mm, which is definitely short for my Bb; how well the A tunes up really depends on the temperature in the room, but generally starts out flat, even on a 64mm). My teacher says that on a 5RV-13, the sound is generally brighter than what I give off (I'm looking for clarification since I'm not sure what that means in terms of how my sound vs. what the mpc tendencies say it "should" be). He had me try an M30 he had, but said the 5RV-13 was better for me
I'm definitely looking to spend less than $100 (I'm hoping I get lucky and one appears for Christmas or a birthday sometime, though if I get a choice my bass needs adjustments and a new case first). If I ever get back to work, then I can think about spending more money. But, between my bass (which hasn't been looked at since someone gave it to me, but hey, it was FREE and it plays ok except for it's overall sharpness, especially the throat tones) and my alto sax (partially adjusted into playing condition in the spring, but my tech says it could use more work; I know the notes below the staff don't play and the LH G# key sticks incessantly to the point where I have to manually put it out every time I hit the side key). I think I'm looking at $400-$500 combined to adjust them. So, money is definitely a factor.
I've generally had good luck with the Vandoren mouthpieces. Some mouthpieces I've played on that weren't my favorites include the Hite Premiere, Selmer C85-120, and the Vandoren B45 (which, ironically, I have one for my Bundy bass; I play a B44 on my Bundy eefer). If it matters, I use an Eddie Daniels Rovner ligature (thick plate) for the Bb/A setup.
Awhile back, I was considering a Vandoren M15, but probably not now since I moved down to softer reeds. Possibly a Vandoren M13 (supposedly works well on the R13s). Given what I have (the 5RV-13) and my playing tendencies, I'm wondering if I should stick with what I have when I get a new one or try something different? I'm looking for places around me that I can go and try them, but if I can't find anything, then it's off to the Internet I go (WWBW knows me well).
I know the best thing to do is to try out a couple of a few and go from there. Since my resources are limited, I'm hoping to narrow the search as much as possible given current existing equipment and how I play. BTW, progress is being made in my lessons. This week at rehearsal, I think my top lip was finally starting to cooperate (my teacher says my upper lip tends to just hang out; it needs to be firmer and pointed down more). I can't remember which clarinet I was playing (I have all 4 for this concert series; I think it was Eb or Bb since I don't think it was bass), but I think I finally feel some progress. Now, to get the air going.
Rachel
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Author: lhoffman
Date: 2010-11-19 06:27
I see from your message header that you're in Rochester. Stop in to see Carl at Shuffle Music downtown, he usually has a small but choice selection of mouthpieces. It's also worth your time to go to Muzet in East Rochester if you haven't already.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2010-11-19 10:03
Other mouthpieces you might look at for Bb are the Genusa Excellent (GE **) and the Eddie Daniels 1.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2010-11-19 16:21
A sticky G# is a common alto sax malady. Have you tried gently holding the G# key closed while sliding a new dollar bill between the pad and the tone hole several times? This always cures a sticking G# for me. You might also consider cleaning the pad with some leather cleaner and polishing the tone hole rim with a soft cloth.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: kdk
Date: 2010-11-19 17:14
Apart from the pad itself sticking, there was for a number of years a problem with student Yamaha altos - the spring hook on the G# key was too small and the needle spring was always popping off, leaving no spring tension to pull the pad open when you pressed the G# key. G# worked only if you were pointing the keys down enough for gravity to replace the spring. I imagine you'd know whether a spring was the problem, because the only quick fix was to put the spring back in its hook manually. The permanent fix was to make the opening in the hook deeper.
I have a sticky G# pad on my tenor. I carry a small bottle of lemon oil and some Q-tips in a snack-size Ziplock bag in my case. Every few days of heavy use I use a Q-tip to brush a little of the oil onto the pad and along the rim of the pad chimney. It clears the problem up for awhile.
Karl
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Author: kdk
Date: 2010-11-19 17:30
Just a quick reaction to the opening of your post:
"It won't be for a while as mine is ok, but it is getting some scratches on the table and the tip is ever so slightly nicked (I think I've had it since 2004 - it's a Vandoren 5RV series 13)."
Perhaps I've read the sentence above badly, but it sounds as though your main reason for considering a replacement is the mouthpiece's age of which you take the nick and scratches as evidence. A mouthpiece isn't by any means old after 6 years of use. If you have a nick in the tip, it resulted from some slight accident, not from age. Likewise the scratches on the table, although those usually don't significantly affect the mouthpiece's performance.
On the other hand a nick in the tip rail, even a small one, can cause meaningful problems with tone and response. It isn't a sign of the mouthpiece's age, but it is a sign that you should probably replace it sooner than later. You've gotten several suggestions of alternative mouthpieces, and any one of them could be a good pick. If you're comfortable with the 5RV, simply replacing it with a new one might work out just as well. An M13 might be good as well. If you can find a store with any of these mouthpieces in stock, try everything in the store. Even two 5RVs won't feel exactly alike.
Once you find a new one, you may discover that the nick was causing problems you didn't notice.
Karl
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Author: gsurosey
Date: 2010-11-20 06:11
I talked with my teacher about this today. I actually don't remember which one of us brought it up. I tried out some stuff he had. The one he had that he said fit me the best was a Hawkins mpc (don't remember which one specifically). He said it's comparable to a Vandoren M13, which was one of the ones I was thinking of. It's not something I need to do real soon, but he said it would be a good move when I do it.
The principal clarinetist in the orchestra I play in uses an M13 on his Yamahas, though I'm not sure if it's a Vandoren or something else (I've never seen the side where the name is usually stamped, but it says M13 in a script-type font on the bottom to the right of the reed; I sit on his right, so I can see that part clearly).
@lhoffman: Carl's a good guy. He's been my repair guy since I started college back in 1998. He's always done good work for me.
Rachel
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2010-11-20 13:04
Rachel,
Re: the Hawkins mouthpiece
It was most likely Richard Hawkins's "B" Model, which has a tip opening that is similar to the M13 Lyre. I've been playing the Hawkins "B" for about 18 months, and it's terrific. Certainly worth a try. To me, it's more comfortable in my mouth than the M13 Lyre and is designed to play well with Vandoren V12's, 3.5 to 4. Of course, a new mouthpiece is an entirely personal choice. Try as many as you can.
Richard is also an awfully nice person to deal with, if you buy directly from him.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2010-11-20 13:29
"I'm definitely looking to spend less than $100."
On his website Richard Hawkins lists the "B" model at $210.
jnk
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Author: William
Date: 2010-11-20 14:45
Mouthpieces don't get any better than those produced by either Walter Grabner or Gregory Smith. Pro models are pricey, but worth every penny in terms of tone quality and response. Either of these great guys will go overboard to get you the exact mouthpiece you need--I know this from personal experiance.
Clark Fobes also makes mouthpieces that many clarinetists play and like. I just cant' recommend them as I have not tried them myself.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-11-20 15:25
I second William's post. Dealing with Walter Grabner and Gregory smith has been excellent for me. I own a mouthpiece from each of the two gentlemen. Htey produce different sounds and each one has a beautiful tone for me.
They ARE expensive, however. Count on a little over $200 for a Grabner, and $300 for a Smith, unless someone is willing to part with a used one.
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."
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2010-11-20 16:45
Jack's correct, of course. The Hawkins mouthpiece is about $200. And the OP said she was looking to spend less than $100.
One the other hand, once you find a mouthpiece you like, well....
And, as Rachel pointed out, Christmas is coming, and...You never know.
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