 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2014-01-10 20:06
I've been alternating between my R13 and my Yamaha CSV Bb clarinets. Strangely, I've settled on using the Yamaha mouthpiece on the Buffet as it provides a bit of pitch stability and a nice warm tone. This mouthpiece doesn't work well for the Yamaha for which it was designed. I've tried many different mouthpieces but the Yammy always seems too resistant, to strident, and even a bit shrill in the altissimo. I'm now using a Vandoren 5RV traditional beak with a 3 to 3 1/2 reed. It mellows out the Yamaha and is considerably more free blowing even with the 3 1/2 reed. ( I was using a 3 prior with the Yamaha mouthpiece).
The odd thing is that both the 5RV traditional and the Yamaha 4CM have about the same tip opening and lay, but the 5RV is much warmer and freer. If dimensions are not what we can use to predict playing characteristics, what is the reason for these differences?
Additionally, my 5RV must be decades old. I'm interesting in experiencing other, newer versions of this model. I imagine dimensions change with play time, and this 5RV came to me from an unknown lineage.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: audio96
Date: 2014-01-11 05:32
There are differences inside the mouthpiece as well that affect the sound. There are variations from one mouthpiece to another from the same maker and model. I just purchased a Vandoren M30 Lyre about 3 weeks ago. I tried 2 of the M30 Lyres that were in stock at the music store. I could tell the difference between the two. One was brighter sounding. I tested them back and forth for about 20 minutes with the same reed and ligature combination. Made adjustments in the reed placement as well to verify my findings. In the end, one appeared to play better for me. They both had the same amount of resistance, but one tended to be a bit brighter sounding. Case in point: When you buy a mouthpiece, it's best if you can try multiple versions of the same mouthpiece to see which one if best suited for you. It doesn't matter if it's made by one of the major players like Vandoren or some custom mouthpiece shop. I have a 30 year old Vandoren 5RV Lyre and purchased a new one a couple of years ago for my son. They're not identical.
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Author: derek_b
Date: 2014-01-12 02:23
The new Rico Reserve mouthpieces are uniquely consistent, and almost completely remove any need to select the best one out of a batch. And (in my opinion, of course) you can not buy a better mouthpiece for the price. I have seen them selling online for $64 (USAreeds) which is a bargain. Actually I would risk saying that in blind test they match the best mouthpieces costing much, much more.
Rico should really start selling some of their products under different name (remember when Toyota started releasing great cars under new "Lexus" name?). Many people remember Rico budget products aimed at beginners, and the Rico Reserve mouthpiece is definitely NOT one of them! The only thing thay miss is a fancy name, preferably a French sounding one
If you never heard of them, here is some info and good test:
Rico product page
excellent review by Bret Pimentel
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Author: Jeroen
Date: 2014-01-13 02:12
I also use a 5RV on my Yamaha SEV and I also prefer it above the 4CM that came with the clarinet.
I think the good and old 5RV is still an excellent mpc.
It gives a rich 'French' sound that is easy to control and it is very reed friendly. I don't like the Lyra version though, too dark for me.
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2014-01-13 02:16
I really want to try the Rico Reserve X5. It's supposed to be similar in many ways to the 5RV. I just wish I could go to one of these festivals where I could try out various mouthpieces. I don't think any store in my neighborhood allows trials with or without a pad for protection.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia
Date: 2014-01-13 16:29
The mouthpieces that come with clarinet from Buffet/Yamaha are junk. I call them case fillers.
Vandoren and Rico are both making fantastic mouthpieces in the under $100 price range. I play on an M3013 with my Yamaha CSGII clarinets.... ironically my ligature costs more than my mouthpiece....
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Author: TAS
Date: 2014-01-14 19:42
I think the Theodore Johnson TJ3 is a superb mouthpiece for the aspiring professional and professional alike.
It pairs well with a Vandoren V12 3.5+ or 4 reed. Also, I recommend the Gonzalez 3.25 or 3.5 FOF or GD clarinet reed.
TAS
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Author: HANGARDUDE
Date: 2014-01-15 04:29
James, I agree with you. Ever since I got my Vandoren B40 Lyre for my E13(simultaneously bought together), I never got back to the Yamaha 4C and never used the Buffet mouthpiece. And every time in the music shop I heard another customer who wants a Yamaha 4C, I'd say: "Seriously?!" Really such mouthpieces are not even suitable for intermediate use.
Garth, I have reservations on getting an X5 unless you can overcome its resistance, for it is quite resistant. The X0 is more easy blowing(though a bit bright).
I heard the Playnick B2 is also a great choice too, and Playnick mouthpieces have a fantastic repsonse that is almost unmatched!
Josh
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