The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Reed question

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2023-01-10 03:14

Runhammar wrote:

> I have two mouthpieces: one Vandoren B40 and one Buffet Crampon
> that came with my BC E11.
>

As Paul suggests, the B40 will take, maybe even need, a soft reed. are you trying to play the #2 reeds on that or have you tried them on the Buffet mouthpiece that came with the clarinet.

There could be a few issues involved besides your embouchure.
1. The mouthpiece
2. The brand reed you're using
3. The condition of your instrument - how well does it seal?
4. Your concept of what a clarinet should sound like

You've already gotten some discussion about mouthpieces. They're all different.

A #1.5 Vandoren Traditional isn't the same hardness as a RICO #1.5. Some reeds are cut for elementary level students and emphasize ease of tone production. Other brands are designed to produce a more robust sound. I've never had even my beginner students play on #1.5, so I don't know how different manufacturers' bottom strength reeds compare, but my beginners were always more successful at the start with #2 or even #2.5 Ricos or Luries than with Vandorens or any of the designer reeds on the market.

Any clarinet, even a brand new one just off the shelf, may have leaky pads. Enough leaks can make any reed/mouthpiece combo feel stuffy and hard to control.

It's hard to know what you mean that the sound "gets less projected and very 'leaky'." It may be that you expect the sound that you've been getting with the 1.5s and just aren't comfortable accepting the sound of a harder reed. To deal with needing more air try, using the #2, taking a little less mouthpiece in your mouth. It isn't so important where the edge of your lower lip is, it's where the pressure from your teeth is applied against the reed through the lip that's important.

Since you aren't in a position to hire a private teacher (even for a single evaluation session?), a friend who plays clarinet could be a great help. He or she could at the very least try your mouthpieces, reeds and clarinet. You also might try a basic leak test yourself or have the friend do it if he knows how. For each section, close all the holes with your fingers and one end with the palm of your hand, put the open end against your mouth and suck the air out. If you can't get a vacuum, there's a leak, possibly a major one, or a lot of little ones. You can also blow moderately instead of sucking to see if you can hear air hissing out somewhere specific.

Karl

Post Edited (2023-01-10 06:58)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics

Author

Date

Reed question new

Runhammar

2023-01-09 15:16