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Author: Exiawolf
Date: 2015-09-08 03:23
I know this is going to be dificult to answer, considering that everyone has a different mouth, tongue, oral cavity, etc..., but what would be a standard American mouthpiece reed combo made by a custom maker that would be reed friendly? I've tried all sorts of uncommon mouthpieces and new equipment, but have never used anything "standard" per se.
I'm looking right now at something like the Fobes San Francisco CWF+ facing, or Behn Zinner Blank (Although I don't know which tip opening would be the most "standard") What would you say would be a pretty common mouthpiece/reed set up?
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Author: Ed
Date: 2015-09-08 03:46
I don't think there is such a thing. There are so many different tastes out there. To me, the Fobes CF+ is a good mouthpiece that is very reed friendly.
In some ways, I think this question would be like asking which shoe size is most common. That does not mean that they would fit you.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2015-09-08 04:01
I think that by definition the "standard" mouthpiece would be the one supplied with the instrument. Anything beyond that is an aftermarket add-on. Those produced by the major makers such as Vandoren, Rico and others from a standard range of products are the next level (ie, closest to the standard offering) and then you get to the custom makers. Their product is what it says, custom. They are made to suit the individual player. Reed choice is entirely an individual matter. I don't think your question is answerable.
Tony F.
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Author: tylerleecutts
Date: 2015-09-08 05:49
What I get told the most is (although not a custom make) is to get a M13 Lyre or M15, with V12 3.5-3.5+ reeds. Pretty standard. Behn makes a good 103 or 105 facing on the Zinner, I played it for a while. I use the B40 Lyre but what is the most "standard" is a 100-106 tip opening with a medium-long to a long facing.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-09-08 06:54
I take it that you are looking for an expensive mouthpiece?
The most expensive mouthpiece I would say would be the Robert model (pronounced "row-BEAR") made by Brad Behn. This is an exceptional example of a reed friendly mouthpiece using a facing around 1mm.
If you're looking for something slightly less expensive, I'd recommend the Chicago Kasper (or whatever it is called now) by Greg Smith.....I like the #11 facing.
If you are just looking for something slightly off the beaten path and not expensive I HIGHLY recommend the MCK-1 facing of the ESM mouthpieces. Really quite extraordinary!
................Paul Aviles
Post Edited (2015-09-08 18:00)
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-09-08 17:23
A lot to contemplate. Mr. Paul Aviles had some great suggestions in the thread above.
Your initial question asked about Fobes mouthpieces. There is a CF+, which is a marvelous piece and there is a CWF, which is also quite wonderful, as well. The CF+ And the CWF play quite well with V12, V21 & Rue51 reeds in the 3-1/2 to 3-1/2+ range. Although the CWF is around .04 less open than the CF+, I find it has more volume and body to the sound.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-09-09 02:33
If you're considering a Behn mouthpiece, I suggest sending Brad Behn an e-mail for recommendations. Mr. Behn is one of the most helpful guys around and I've found his advice to be absolutely spot-on--and his craftsmanship is a marvel to behold.
The vintage Chedeville-blank mouthpiece I sent to Mr. Behn for a reworking has a middle-of-the-road facing and is by far the most reed-friendly mouthpiece in my studio. It is also the most clarinet-friendly, responding easily and playing well in tune with all of my favourite instruments.
Post Edited (2015-09-09 02:50)
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Author: TomS
Date: 2015-09-09 20:53
Ditto on the ESM mouthpieces. Just got one ... jury is still out, but not for long, and I think this MP will be found "guilty as charged" for being amazing and affordable. It's cool looking too!
Otherwise, give the Fobes, Smith or Ridenours a shot.
If you can't decide, just get an M13 and don't look back. Spend you money on lessons.
Tom
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Author: Exiawolf
Date: 2015-09-10 09:32
What is the price on the Greg Smith Mouthpiece? The ordering section of his website seems to be down and I can't quite find a price anywhere.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-09-10 15:09
Last time I checked Greg Smith mouthpieces were around $350 (US dollars).
..............Paul Aviles
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