 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: nikk62
Date: 2011-05-18 21:09
Hi,
I have been playing the clarinet for just over a year and play a Yamaha 250 which I really like.
It has been suggested to me that I upgrade the mouthpiece on this clarinet before thinking of treating myself to a wooden model and wondered if anyone could suggest a mouthpiece to try?
At present I am using a Yamaha mouthpiece, 4c and sometimes the 6c.
(I am playing Grade 2 / 3 level.)
Also, has anyone upgraded from a 250 to another Yamaha model? Most people I have spoken to prefer the Buffet E13 as an Intermediate upgrade.
Thank you.
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-05-18 21:17
There are a lot of ways you can go with a new mouthpiece. Can you give us an idea of what your budget is?
As for upgrading your clarinet in the future, I consider the YCL-650 to be as good or better than the E13 for less money.
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Author: nikk62
Date: 2011-05-18 21:45
Hi,
Thanks for your reply. I hadn't really thought about budget so am open to suggestions
Thank you.
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-05-18 23:04
Good mass-produced mouthpiece such as ones from the Vandoren line start at around $90 US and would be a good step up from the 4C and 6C you are playing now. I'd recommend trying out the B40, 5RV, and M13 as these are all popular mouthpieces. I'm not a big fan of Vandoren mouthpieces myself but a lot of people swear by them.
Another route would be to buy a mouthpiece directly from a maker. I personally play a Vytas Krass mouthpiece for classical and concert band music and love it. He often has refaced mouthpieces available in his online store for <$100 US, which I think are an excellent value. I have also heard good things about Walter Grabner's entry level mouthpiece that sells for $117 US.
If you can stretch your budget up to around $200 US you are in the range of many custom mouthpiece makers. I'm not terribly familiar with many of the makers on your side of the pond but I know that Ramon Wodkowski, Peter Eaton, and Edward Pilinger are all in the UK and are well regarded.
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Author: Pastor Rob
Date: 2011-05-19 02:05
My Yamaha 52 plays quite well with a Portnoy BO2 which I got for $60 new.
Pastor Rob Oetman
Leblanc LL (today)
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Author: dtiegs
Date: 2011-05-19 12:15
I've tried and bought the M30 Lyre vandorens, profile 88. Great mouthpiece but the only thing i could say was that it made my throat notes really really flat... took me awhile to get use to the longer facing... used to be 20cents flat...
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2011-05-19 13:19
Looks like you're in England. Ed Pillinger is a mouthpiece maker whose home/atelier is not far from London. He's a real gentleman and a great craftsman. His mouthpieces are superb -- some of the very best out there.
Mr. Pillinger has a big range of styles and facings so you can surely find something that suits you perfectly. He is unique in that he makes his own blanks with a material that he himself developed. Also, he's a player, which makes any discussions you might have with him about what you're looking for very productive.
Google Ed Pillinger's name and you'll find his coordinates. Good luck.
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Author: nikk62
Date: 2011-05-19 13:39
Thank you all for the great advice. It is very interesting to hear what works for people and what doesn't.
I will certainly look into some of these models and suppliers.
Thanks guys.
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Author: Mike Clarinet
Date: 2011-05-20 14:32
If you really are in London, got yourself to Howarths (which I know by reputation only) or out to Maidenhead to Dawkes Windcraft, which I know from personal experience. Look on their websites for prices - from £10 up to £100 for Dawkes. They are great for advice and the Weinberg range is as good as anything you can find anywhere else. The most important thing is to go and -try- them for yourself.
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