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Re: Mouthpieces for Vandoren Traditional 4 reeds?

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-10-23 16:53

I subconsciously wrote out the list in descending order. My preference at the moment (this morning!) is the CL4.

I mentioned the Ernst Schreiber down the list ONLY because I have only tried one for a few minutes with great success and am working on obtaining one. The version I tried was in a blue acrylic with gold colored flakes in it and I was a little taken aback by the appearance. I did get a more detailed description of what the company is doing here and it is all about sound (except for the color of the acrylic perhaps). The flecks in the material are added for resonance, to deepen the sound (so they say). Also there are optional metal rings on the top and bottom of the tenon also put there to make the sound more firm and help achieve a more prominent articulation (so they say). This is the version that I tried and is was indeed VERY impressive. In a few weeks I should have the opportunity to try a standard black acrylic (no metal flecks added to the material) and compare it side by side with the blue one which they call "The Heaven."

That said, I do also switch amongst the different cuts of Vandoren 4s. The Lepics seem to have a bit more 'back bone' and they are a bit better quality, but I don't find (for myself) that there is any significantly difference getting them to work on those mouthpieces.

Do you do a "Squawk Test?" This is where you play an open "G" starting with very little mouthpiece in your mouth and continue to play as you take in more and more mouthpiece. At some point you'll get a huge, uncontrollable SQUAWK. Just back of slightly from that point (moving slightly back toward the tip that is) and THIS is THE ideal spot for you and your embouchure on THAT mouthpiece.

..............Paul Aviles

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