 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Pianogal
Date: 2014-09-19 01:07
Hi all,
As you can see from my "name" I'm a piano player, with a son who is just starting to play the clarinet. This is not something I know a lot about, but am starting to learn. I'm looking at the Yamaha 250 (used) for my son. It has a 4C mouthpiece, but the mouthpiece is not new. It seems like it is in good condition.
Is it important to buy a new mouthpiece for the instrument?
Thanks for your help!
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2014-09-19 01:18
Not really, I know professionals that play on mouthpieces made over 50 years ago. What's more important is how it plays. The 4C is a decent mouthpiece and as long as there is no major damage it should be fine.
You may want to sanitize it with alcohol or wash it with soap however. Be sure you dry off the cork after you wash it.
Hope this helps!
Post Edited (2014-09-19 01:41)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-09-19 01:55
I have to admit upfront I am prejudiced against the Yamaha mouthpieces (though I own Yamaha clarinets which are superb).
It is not the newness but rather the quality of the mouthpiece. You need to avoid older mouthpieces that have nicks, scratches or chips taken out of the business end - the flat part the reed vibrates against, called the rails (two side rails and one top rail). These surfaces need to maintain their integrity to allow the reed to produce the notes properly.
If you are not opposed to consider the investment in a new mouthpiece, the Vandoren mouthpieces (usu. M15, 5RV Lyre, and M13) are your best bet. You can order through "Woodwind Brasswind" for better prices.
..........Paul Aviles
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-09-19 02:23
If you just starting 5rv lyre 13 series is great. I personally would reccomend against the 4c.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-09-19 02:33
If the Yamaha 4C is in good condition then it is an absolutely fine mouthpiece for a learner to start on.
Don't get hung up on GAS (Gear Aquisition Syndrome) from the very start, this board is populated enough with addicts already.
Just concentrate on learning to play for now.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2014-09-19 03:07
while I am a "budget person" and thus opposed to sight unseen buying new stuff, I have mixed feelings re the 4C. It was my first piece and I hated it. I much prefer the Fobes Debut which is very affordable.
But in my world, a mouthpiece must match a reed. Some hate each other, some are a combo made in heaven.
My vote goes to Fobes Debut and Mitchell Lurie (Regular).
--
Ben
Post Edited (2014-09-19 10:38)
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-09-19 03:47
Personally I have no problems with the Yamaha 4C, and many thousands of students have learned to play with it without undue difficulty. As long as it is free from dings and nicks your son should have no problems with it. Just give it a scrub in warm water and use it. If you decide that a new mouthpiece is the way you want to go then I'd go for a Fobes "Debut" or a Hite "Premier".
Tony F.
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Author: MSK
Date: 2014-09-19 05:22
The 4C is supposed to be a decent beginner mouthpiece, unlike what comes on most student clarinets. If you do want to upgrade, the Fobes Debut is a good mouthpiece and half the price of the also very good Vandoren mouthpieces listed above. Good choice with the Yamaha clarinet by the way
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2014-09-19 08:07
If the 4C is plastic (and, at least, the newer ones are), it would not be a good idea to sterilize it with alcohol. Alcohol can cause plastic to crack. A dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide would be a safer choice.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: pewd
Date: 2014-09-19 17:14
A 4C is not a good choice for a beginner. I really can't stand Yamaha mouthpieces.
I Vandoren 5Rv lyre or a Fobes Debut would be better.
Best would be to hire a good private teacher for your son, and take their advice.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-09-19 18:55
"A 4C is not a good choice for a beginner. I really can't stand Yamaha mouthpieces.
I Vandoren 5Rv lyre or a Fobes Debut would be better."
While I agree that the Fobes Debut or 5RV would be a better choice, I can't agree with you that the 4C is not a good choice. I've seen a lot of beginners who manage perfectly well on the 4C and 5C. They may not be right for you, but that doesn't mean that they're not right.
Tony F.
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Author: gwie
Date: 2014-09-19 21:31
Perhaps someone can pinpoint a specific technical reason why the Yamaha 4C is a not a good choice for a beginner? I'm curious.
I've worked with hundreds of beginning clarinet students in band that used the Yamaha 4C and have had no issues with them. They are a decent stock mouthpiece, and are very affordable. My private students starting out have also used the Fobes Debut and Behn Overture, with good results as well.
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Author: Jim22
Date: 2014-09-20 01:32
I started on a 4C and played it for a couple years. Recently I played several vandoren pieces and neither I nor my teacher thought any of them were right for me. I finally selected a d'addario X105. I found the 4C was easier to control and that it had a pretty darn good sound. Unless the 4C is responsible for the difficulties I experienced switching to any of the new pieces, I think it was great.
Jim C.
CT, USA
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