 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Paulabuls
Date: 2023-01-12 19:01
Hi All,
Noobie here. I just recently started playing clarinet. I’m in my mid sixties and play other instruments such as guitar. I played tenor saxophone in middle school, I read music both bass and treble clef and am generally fairly proficient.
I recently bought a used Noblet N with a Noblet number 3 mouthpiece. The serial number of the clarinet is A97381 which from what I can tell dates it to 1980. I’m using Rico number 2 reeds in the orange box and have not ventured into the mysteries of filing them. I’m playing each day a little longer and feel my embouchure is getting stronger and I’m increasing my range while decreasing squeaks on a daily basis. 😎
Does this seem a reasonable reed/mouthpiece combination for a beginner?Im not working with a teacher so don’t have an easy way to know.
Thanks in advance,
Paula
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Author: ruben
Date: 2023-01-12 21:09
Paula, I would get a Vandoren B40 mouthpiece: inexpensive, reliable and it will last a lifetime. You don't want your progress to be hindered by a low-quality mouthpiece and the stock ones are often that.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: Hunter_100
Date: 2023-01-12 23:01
Ruben, is there any particular reason why you suggest a B40? There are many many mouthpieces out there, I am curious why this one for the particular situation?
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Author: ruben
Date: 2023-01-12 23:37
Well, it's a very "standard" mouthpiece: not too closed and not too open. It's also maybe the world's most popular mouthpiece, played by amateurs and professionals alike: produces a very round tone and is well in tune. Also, there is the fact that it's mass-produced, so affordable. I'm not plugging it however. I personally use' Clark Fobes and Mike Lomax mouthpieces!
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: Paulabuls
Date: 2023-01-13 00:40
Thanks for the replies!
I actually live in Portugal. I've seen other people recommend Clark Fobes Debut and the Behn Overture as good beginner mouthpieces. Neither seem to be available locally. The Vandoren mouthpieces are available. I'm curious though about the B40 specifically. What would be the difference between that and one of the other Vandoren like the B45?
What about a ligature to pair with that?
Thanks, I appreciate the help.
Cheers,
Paula
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2023-01-13 00:59
The B45 and B40 "play" more open and I would not say that the B40 holds any special level of use......not in the US anyway.
A good, straightforward medium/closed option would be the Vandoren M13 (not the one that has LYRE after it). So if you have access and funds for a new Vandoren mouthpiece, I'd highly recommend trying them out (all those mentioned) and see which one works best for you.
..................Paul Aviles
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Author: super20dan
Date: 2023-01-13 01:53
dont knock those noblet issued mpcs! the one that came with my 60,s era alto clarinet out plays every big brand i have played. good riffault blanks
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Author: ruben
Date: 2023-01-13 10:24
Super: I don't know the Noblet mouthpieces. The Leblanc L4, on the other hand, I did know and found them excellent. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: m1964
Date: 2023-01-13 10:57
Paulabuls wrote:
"...I actually live in Portugal. I've seen other people recommend Clark Fobes Debut and the Behn Overture as good beginner mouthpieces. Neither seem to be available locally. The Vandoren mouthpieces are available. I'm curious though about the B40 specifically.
What would be the difference between that and one of the other Vandoren like the B45?
What about a ligature to pair with that?"
B45 and B40 have the same tip opening and facing length, the difference is that B40 has thicker rails.
I have both B45 and B40, the B40 sounds a little softer, not as bright. I switched from B45 to B40 because my sound was too bright/harsh on the B45.
Later I switched to a MP with even smaller opening.
I would suggest checking other Vandoren mouthpieces as well, such as 5RV/5RV lyre, M30/M30 lyre.
I agree with Ruben that Vandoren MP would be a good start for a beginner - there are available and inexpensive.
A MP with a smaller opening may be easier to start from.
Ideally, you'd want to go to a shop where they would let you try a few and you chose one that feels better to you.
There is a shop in Lisbon that sells clarinets and has MPs as well- D. Caeiro, LTD.
Ligature: I use Vandoren M/O in black. Tried a few and liked the black- colored one the most.
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Author: Paulabuls
Date: 2023-01-13 16:03
I’m in Porto.
I’m heading to the states at the end of the month and so I purchased a Clark Fobes Debut and am having it delivered to the address I’ll be staying in Texas. In the meantime, I’m still looking at Vandoren mps.
I’m having some trouble with the lowest notes. I can hit them if I go down the scale but not if I’m starting out on them. Also, if I hold a lower note, (G below the staff and lower) they start out sounding fine but then get fuzzy and horrible. I’ve tried adjusting the position of the reed on the mouthpiece but nothing seems to significantly make a difference. I can also play above the break with the exception of the lowest notes.
It’s difficult to know if this is an issue of embouchure, fingering or reed. Given that I don’t know the characteristics of the Noblet no. 3 mouthpiece, it seems like it introduces unknown variables. I’m thinking the mouthpiece might require a stiffer reed. I’m thinking about buying some no. 3 reeds to see how that changes things.
I appreciate all the responses. As pretty much a complete noobie to the clarinet, I’m amazed how how many variables there are.
Cheers,
Paula
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Author: Hunter_100
Date: 2023-01-13 19:13
You likely have a sealing problem with some pads on your insrtrument. The low notes should not be hard to play compared to others. Have a clarinet tech check out the instrument.
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Author: Paulabuls
Date: 2023-01-13 21:30
That makes sense. I’ll go to an instrument repair shop on Monday.
Thanks for the help!
Paula
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Author: Paulabuls
Date: 2023-01-20 03:48
We’ll, it turns out the clarinet is fine. The problem was my hand position and not sealing all the holes fully. I’m getting the Clark Fobes mouthpiece delivered soon. I’m hoping that will make a difference as well.
Thanks again for assistance and advice,
Paula
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