 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Speculator Sam
Date: 2018-06-24 18:28
Hi everybody, I'm back from my vacation from the internet. So, I have two questions. The first one's regarding a mouthpiece. SO, I have some money saved up and I'd love to buy mouthpiece, not that it'd automatically make me sound better... actually to a lesser extent, yes it would. Not as much as practicing and being critical of my recordings.
Okay on to the point. I bought some size 3 Vandoren Trad. bass clarinet reeds. I love them, it took a few days to get used to, but they're helping me achieve the rounder/not nasal sound I'm going for. Inside the box held an advertisement for the BD5 mouthpiece. This sonata recording has me convinced that the mouthpiece is totally the secret to having a nice round sound, and not 20+ years of practice (sarcasm, if you couldn't detect it). After lurking this forum though, Vandoren products are terrible and now I'm considering a Grabner Virtuosuo mouthpiece or a Behn mouthpiece. Why? Because as an adult, I wouldn't mind waiting a couple more months and saving up for mouthpiece that'd probably save me money long term.
The question for that is should I get a premier mouthpiece, or give the Vandoren products a chance?
The second question is less verbose. What's the secret to not sounding honky and like a rhino in a choir when playing bass clarinet? I might leave a recording below soon for a reference. Thanks for reeding (reed pun).
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Author: Speculator Sam
Date: 2018-06-24 21:31
BTW here's tjay reference I mentioned. It's Hervig's arrangement of a Bach Sarabande and Bouree from the First French Suite. I started the piece two days ago, so it's defintely rusty, especially the Bouree.
Before I list my own critiques I have to mention that I'm playing the wonderful Selmer 1430LP. It was a struggle to get the Clarion B & Cs in tune; also the stock mouthpiece is leaking big time. I know because the breathy sound that happens in the video does not appear when I play my Evette clarinet.
My own critiques are that I should keep practicing with a.metronome and/or backing track. Those barouqe ornaments sound nice but perhaps it'll peep off y'all that prefer students to stick to what's written. My personal intonation has improved vastly over the last three months..
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Author: J. J.
Date: 2018-06-25 15:05
Sam, you should know that most of the advice given on this forum isn’t necessarily from pros. You should also know that Vandorens are played by the vast majority of symphony professionals in the U.S., and overwhelmingly so abroad.
The BD5 bass mouthpiece is a definite winner. I don’t personally play one, but I recommend it to many people in your situation. I think that their manufacturing is more consistent on the BD5-series, and I suspect you’ll be happy with what you end up with, should you go that route. The Grabners and Behns are also very good, but I think it’s at least even money that you’d like the Vandoren as much or more.
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2018-06-25 16:48
I reallly like the Fobes Debut mouthpiece. I played one on my bass for awhile and still have one for my contrabass. For $50 you can't go wrong. I feel that it is much easier to play than any Vandoren and still produces a great tone, definitely doesn't play like a "student" mouthpiece. Might be another good option to try, especially considering that it is $30 cheaper than the Hite.
-Jdbassplayer
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Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2018-06-25 18:04
Well, I'm no professional but still dare to give some advice. Though what I have to say is pretty "standard" and my teacher wouldn't really tell you anything greatly different
1) MPCs are pretty individual choices and you also need to know what you prefer
2) Try to get a number of different MPCs and compare them side-by-side. A very competent bass player found the Vandoren B45 OK, I cant really stand it. Vandorens aren't that bad.
3) Try to imagine the air collum goes "through" - a great player once told me to play from the bottom of my arse :D. That was some of the best advice I was ever given. From listening to your posted video, I feel like you need to open up a little to make the register changes go more smoothly, but I'm no expert.
After comparing Vandoren (B40, B45), Pomarico (all of their Bass MPCs) and the Selmer Concept, I've settled with the Selmer and love it. But again that's up to you and your instrument.
Despite other qualities the Selmer MPC had the best response to the lowest notes and made register changes much easier. The Leblanc 430S tends to be a little petulant there, but has a lovely tone.
Can't commet on Grabner and Fobes, as I woudln't import them to Germany.
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Author: Al_Martinez23
Date: 2018-06-25 18:58
I’ve played Bass Clarinet for 9 years now and I’d say that personally for me I’d go the more expensive route. I’ve played the Vandoren B50 mouthpiece and it’s good, you can use it for a vast majority of genres as well. But I’ve also played on a Clark Fobes San Francisco “RR” facing mouthpiece and it responded so much better. I was able to get more control and a much rounder darker sound than the B50. The one thing that was a little bit harder was getting more volume from it. I was still able to get a great dynamic Range but it was missing at least for me a bit of projection, just a little though. As of right now though i’m currently playing on a Richard Hawkin Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece that was refaced by Nathan Beaty. It has that projection that I want while not sacrificing tone, it has a rich dark sound in the low register and a very nice singing quality in the clarion and altissimo register. I like it a lot. As a reference point for the mouthpieces I’ve mentioned it’s as followed:
Vandoren B50-$150
Clark Fobes San Francisco: $275
Richard Hawkins- $350(don’t quote me on this though)
and if you want to get your mouthpiece refaced by Nathan Beaty it would cost around 75 dollars.
Mouthpieces are a really personal thing so it’s important you try as many as you can! And if you’re feeling risky you can always go on the famous auction site. There are really good deals there at times but you have to be careful if you decide to.
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Author: Mojo
Date: 2018-06-28 17:23
I own 20 or so bass clarinet mouthpieces. I could easily enjoy playing on 5 of them depending if they were matched with a reed to get the feel and sound I am looking for.
A Fobes Nova and SF AP are in my top 5. The Debut was not until I put the (CF?) facing curve I measured from the Nova on it.
A Vandoren (B45, B46) is usually my second favorite mouthpiece on BC. Not a bad place to start your search as it may take a lot of trials to find a better mouthpiece.
MojoMP.com
Mojo Mouthpiece Work LLC
MojoMouthpieceWork@yahoo.com
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Author: Speculator Sam
Date: 2018-06-28 18:50
First, I'd like to thank and acknowledge all the helpful help here...
Thanks
Now then. I'm really leaning on the side of the BD5 for a few reasons. I know that, although Debut is definitely a giant steps (jazz joke) forward in terms of mouthpiece situation, I don't want to be thinking "Well, this is still only a stepping stone mouthpiece and I will HAVE to buy a new one within fove years as I get better. The quest for "the one" will always be ever-changing.
I believe the reason Vandoren products are so popular is because of an aforementioned "most symphony players use their products...". I'd imagine Vandoren's very compatible with most instruments, which is another concern when working mouthpieces is whether or not the piece fights your instrument or not. That, or maybe Vandoren sponsers the most artists
Anyways. Thanks for responding everyone. This helps tons.
Post Edited (2018-06-28 18:51)
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Author: Speculator Sam
Date: 2018-06-28 21:07
@Kalashinkirby that through your arse thing reminded me of a moment from "Hajime No Iipo". That's hilarious but true, you do have to "become one with the instrument" express your ideas. Don't "play the instrument", "let the instrument be an extension of yourself". The struggle to get clarion B & C in tune is real, but I've only been playing for nine months, I need to open up in general I think. Still trying to figure out how to make throat B-flat sound like the best note on the instrument, just like Benny Goodman could
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Author: Speculator Sam
Date: 2018-07-09 20:42
So a quick update regarding my mouthpiece situation. I'm deciding to sample between the vandoren bd5, b40 and be 50 mouthpieces as a start. The issue is that I tried to order the mouthpiece from my favorite music shop nearby and apparently they can only order one mouthpiece at a time and if I don't like it they're not going to be able to return it or place it on the Shelf even.
So to me, that makes about as much logic as ordering a mouthpiece online and not being able to return it. I've read The Forum rules on " not doing anyone else's homework", but could anyone give a heads up as to where the nearest woodwind Boutique is in Florida? If I'm going to spend that much on a mouthpiece, then I'd really much prefer to play it first. Thanks for reading.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2018-07-09 21:02
Not really a boutique, but Gary Underwood of Orlando has a bunch of mouthpieces and he has no qualms about you trying stuff out. I'm not too sure of his bass mouthpiece stock though.
Shoot him an e-mail and ask (actually listed as Winter Park FL).
............Paul Aviles
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Author: Speculator Sam
Date: 2018-07-14 21:44
Once again thank you for the responses everyone! I set up an appointment at Gary Underwood's. Extremely excited about visiting a dedicated woodwind shop, and when I get that new mouthpiece, I go ahead and become one of those forum members that lists their gear in their forum signature Once again thanks for lending your knowledge.
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Author: alanporter
Date: 2018-07-14 22:33
Please don't laugh.....I have found my best bass mouthpiece to be a George Bundy No 3 hard rubber. I measured it to have curve 20mm, tip 1.8mm
Alan
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Author: LJBraaten
Date: 2024-07-15 20:16
Glad I found this thread! I switched to bass (3 weeks ago!) after years of Bb soprano (and some Bari sax many many years ago). I am struggling to even play a B or C (okay, make that a G) let alone get them in tune! My instrument came with an old Conn Standard Steelay, which looks like it was refaced with 100 grit sandpaper. It’s okay for tone quality, but not as consistent in the upper register as I would like. I tested a not for sale Selmer C* and really liked it. Looks like I’ll be playing a 2.5 (or less) reed on whatever Mouthpieces I end up with.
So my question about the BD5 and the others mentioned, is how well do they play the upper register? How do they compare to the C*? (BTW: I have massive lung capacity and am not worried about volume.)
And I’m not laughing, Alan! I have three vintage mouthpieces coming in the mail, one is a Bundy Signature 3. I have one for my Soprano, it was my favorite on the Bb over all of my VanDorens (5 RV lyre, M13 L, M15, etc.) then I made the mistake of having it refaced (a second time) and it was never the same. (My current Bb mouthpiece is the 5 RV Lyre).
Laurie (he/him)
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2024-07-16 01:14
LJB,
What make and model is the bass? Right off the top of my head though, your problem could be pad(s) not sealing, a double register key out of adjustment, a possible crack, or your embouchure to name a few.
BTW I use a Bundy 3 on bari sax and have very successfully used one on bass clarinet. I now play McClure refaced C*; these are tremendous mouthpieces.
More details, please.
Hank
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2024-07-16 18:06
I second Hank's thoughts.
Whether you're new to the bass, or the bass in new to you, best start by making sure you have no leaks.... It's a schmicky bit of kit.
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: LJBraaten
Date: 2024-07-16 19:28
Thanks for the responses.
I continue to improve in reaching the high notes, it is largely my inexperience. I switched to bass 3 weeks ago from Bb (soprano). I adapted surprisingly well since I played Bari Sax years ago. I do notice, however, that switching mouthpieces and reeds does make a difference in managing the upper register. My bass is a Giardinelli. I purchased it from a repair tech who went over it thoroughly. It is definitely easier to reach the higher notes on this one than the Yamaha 221ii that I was borrowing before buying this one.
Laurie (he/him)
Post Edited (2024-07-18 19:55)
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2024-07-19 21:18
I'll suggest you visit my webpage, eddies clarinet.com I have articles of playing clarinet and bass as well with suggestions. Perhaps it will help.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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