Clarinet Mouthpieces?

Question

I am in high school and have been playing clarinet since 5th grade, and my clarinet instructor has suggested purchasing a new mouthpiece. I currently have a "premier" by hite, and she has reccomended the Vandoren M13 lyre and similar, So im basically asking

1-should I upgrade?
2-how much can I expect to pay for a mouthpiece in that range
3-what other options are there besides the Vandorens

additional details
-current mouthpiece is premier by hite (student mouthpiece), though I also have a Gigliotti Maestro (#2) that came with my clarinet, that is supposed to be a professional mouthpiece, though it has not worked well for me
-I am playing a Selmer 10-g, with Vandoren V12 3.5s
-somewhat advanced skill wise, but improving rapidly with new teacher
-darker sound perfered for the stuff we do in band

Answer 1

I use the Vandoren M15, and I would highly recommend it. However, in order to choose it my band director ordered about 8 different mouthpieces from the local store (they loan them out for you to try usually) and I played on all of them. For me the M15 produced the darkest, clearest tone. For you it might be different. I suggest trying many of them out, but Vandoren does make very good mouthpieces.

On the same note, I can't recommend any other ligature than the Vandoren Optimum. This ligature improved my tone and response of notes tremendously. I would recommend it to anyone. My college instructor tells all her students to get it, and I was happy I did. However, the same thing applies here. I did not buy this ligature until I tried it out for a week or so.

Changing equipment is a big decision, and a very personal one. Your teacher gave good suggestions, and she can help you with choosing, but ultimately the decision will be up to you and what works best for YOU.

For price range, a Vandoren mouthpiece will run you around $70.00-$80.00 if you buy it online, if you get it in a music store expect to pay much more (check out www.wwbw.com for everything you could ever need for music supplies at great prices). The Vandoren Optimum ligature is $60.00ish dollars if you want a metal cap too, but less if you are okay with a plastic cap.

I've honestly only ever heard of Vandorens being suggested to students, since they are high quality and relatively cheaply priced. One thing I would advise against are the crystal mouthpieces. Try them out if you want, but I've never been able to get a good sound from them.

Answer 2

I use the Vandoren M13 and it's much better than the normal stock mouthpieces. After trying out a few others including the M15 the M13 still worked best for me. It really depends on your style and what works specifically for you.
I paid about $85 for mine and it is most definitely worth the upgrade. Your sound will improve drastically just by switching mouthpieces.

Answer 3

I've never played a Vandoren mouthpiece, but I get good results from a Brilhart mouthpiece. They're made by Selmer and run about $25.00

Answer 4

The best thing you can do is visit a shop that has many professional mouthpieces on hand and try them with your clarinet. What works well for one person may or may not work for another.

I like a Selmer Paris C** on my series 10 but that's just me. You really want to try some before you decide.

Answer 5

Concur with CoachT. Vandoren's are worshipped by some, but do nothing for me. You need to try many, wiith different reed makes as well.