I have played clarinet for almost four years, and I've decided that I need a better mouthpiece than the one I have. I have been contemplating on buying the Selmer Crystal mouthpiece, but I don't know if it's a good mouthpiece or the right one for me. What do you think?
2006-12-27 08:11:12 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
first off what kind of mouthpiece do you have now?? Um i use a 5RV lyre and I'm in college. I'm not telling you to get that one because it's more for clarinet players who want to fit into an ensemble sound. There are lots of mouthpiece out on the market right now. The B45 is a good soloist mouthpiece. I'm thinking of getting a B45 myself just because i play so much in college. Yeah the mouth piece are important but a lot of the times the ligature is what can be really important to your tone. I think you should just go to a music store or somewhere and experiment with different mouthpieces. Anyways i would probably go with the B45 or a 5RV lyre mouthpiece both by vandoren oh and i think that they will be a lo cheaper. As for ligatures get a good one I'm getting the vandoren optimum. Well anyways good luck in finding a better mouthpiece.
2006-12-27 08:21:17 · answer #1 · answered by cavigirl17 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I play on a Larry Combs mouthpiece and I LOVE it. Since you've played for 4 years I assume you're under some kind of direction. Talk to your director or private instructor about their thoughts, the different kinds they recommend. Then go to the music store, they should have practice rooms in the store, bring your clarinet and try every mouthpiece (make sure you have a good reed that day!) . Don't pick the mouthpiece other people suggest just because other people suggest it; pick the one that feels and sounds the best. Also, if you're playing on the old metal ligature, find a new one! The right mouthpiece with the right ligature can do WONDERS for your sound. Good luck!
2006-12-28 02:22:32 · answer #2 · answered by Julie B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Opinions:
1) Find a private teacher (clarinet specialty) to help you in your search, if you haven't already.
2) Try as many different mouthpieces as you can. This does not have to be all on the same day (probably shouldn't) but there are sooooo many mp's out there and everyone has a different embouchure, face, and sound/tonal concept.
3) If you can't find a teacher, bring a trusted and musical (with good ears) friend along when you try the pieces. Also bring a tuner!
4) Make sure you use the same reed for each trial session. Make sure the reed is really good!
5) For more recommendations, see: http://www.woodwind.org and click on "Bulletin Board" where you will find a lively clarinet discussion board!
2006-12-28 11:57:19 · answer #3 · answered by Katrina M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your best option would be either trying some out at you local music retailer,asking around,or reading reviews.Make sure you take into accont what strength of reed you will use,and the type of ligature.Some mouthpiece facings only work well with certain types of reed/ligature combinations.The Selmer is a good choice as it has excellent tone projection and clarity in all registers.Kinda pricey, but worth it.Mouthpieces all have different personalities and you'll want to find what expressess your stlye of playing the best.Whether it be loud,soft,soothing,etc...Good luck searching.
2006-12-28 15:56:25 · answer #4 · answered by wisdom2331 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I currently have a Selmer but the BEST Clarinet Mouthpiece is Vandoren B45. Vandoren products are the best overall. if you like clear try to find a clear Vandoren B45.
2006-12-29 16:32:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know much about clarinets, but I do know that Selmer tends to make beginner to upper intermediate band instruments. It really depends on what kind of music you play and what kind of sound you're looking to create.
2006-12-31 08:03:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually suggest Mitchell Laurie hard rubber mouthpieces for my students. Also, make sure you get a Rovner ligature. They're the best.
2006-12-27 13:56:53 · answer #7 · answered by Jennifer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might talk to some college clarinet teachers in your area and see what they recommend. You might also go to a music store and try several out and just see which one feels and sounds the best to you.
2006-12-27 08:15:19 · answer #8 · answered by shominyyuspa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to be able to try a few different ones. Go to a music store and find which one you're most comfortable with. Many stores will have demos that they just keep sterilizing for these purposes.
2006-12-27 08:13:50 · answer #9 · answered by It's Me 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try some out. And talk to your friends to see what they recommend
2006-12-27 10:13:53 · answer #10 · answered by Uchihaitachi345 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋