The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: orangeclarinet
Date: 2013-11-28 20:24
I'm a high school clarinet player looking to upgrade my mouthpiece. I currently play on a 5RV-lyre. I'm looking to try new mouthpieces whether they are brand or custom ones. Does anyone know of people/stores in Houston that offer different mouthpieces to try? Or even websites that are trustworthy? Music&Arts only had Rico mouthpieces last time I checked.
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2013-11-29 16:57
FIRST: HAVE YOUR PRIVATE TEACHER help you with evaluating new equipment. If you don't have a private teacher, it would great to find one! Houston is full of clarinet players. If you don't have one, contact your band director to see if they have a recommended person. If they don't, contact the local universities (Rice, U of H, etc.). College students are always looking for more students! =)
If you're looking for custom makers to try, look the right of your screen for the "mouthpieces and barrels" tab.
weinermusic.com has been my favorite for accessories, primarily because they have lower prices. There are at least one or two custom makers that distribute, so you can order a trial of a variety of things.
The Rico Reserve mouthpieces have gained popularity in a relatively short time, so give them a try (assuming that the music store has the Reserve models in stock).
Although Houston is a large place, the only mouthpiece people I can think of are collectors or players. As far as I can recollect, there aren't any major custom people out there.
As much as I like and wish to support local music stores, make sure you know the online\ebay prices for things before buying at a local music store. Just be aware of what things cost, never hurts.
FWIW: My recommendations for non-custom (cheaper): Vandoren M13, M13 Lyre, M15), Rico X0
Custom: Brad Behn Zinner collection.
A very generous person with his time and will do fine work to satisfy your mouthpiece needs. The cost is on the low side as far as custom mouthpieces, but the product is uncompromising and truly a work of art. He will discuss your needs and send you a batch of mouthpieces adjusted to fit your needs.
All these suggestions are under $200, so it shouldn't break the bank.
Disclaimer: I have nothing business\financial to gain from recommending any of the products I mentioned above.
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Author: orangeclarinet
Date: 2013-12-04 01:05
My lesson teacher has let me try about 3 different mouthpieces but I didn't really like them. She doesn't have any more so I have to find them myself.
Thank you so much for this information. I will look into everything you have suggested.
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