Clarinet Mouthpieces: How To Choose A Good One For You
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ก.พ. 2016
- Michelle Anderson, founder of Clarinet Mentors (www.learnclarinetnow.com), presents an overview of how to choose a good clarinet mouthpiece. This piece of clarinet equipment can make a major difference to your tone quality, and how easy it feels to play the instrument. This video is part of a series on improving clarinet tone. You can get a full resource list of clarinet videos here:
www.clarinetmentors.com/resour...
Mouthpieces that are mentioned in this video include:
Backun, Lomax, Smith, Johnson, Vandoren (the M13 Lyre, and the M30), D'Addario, BG and Selmer. - เพลง
![เจ้าผู้เดียว - ดิด คิตตี้ [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/q0NLCYKBOTo/mqdefault.jpg)
Hi Michelle, good information. I would also mention never run your swab through the mouthpiece. That's the quickest way to ruin an expensive investment. Also, my experience is that I end up with a better outcome when I try mouthpieces with my teacher. Her insights have often led me to choose different mouthpieces than I was drawn to on my own. Thanks for your excellent contributions to the clarinet community.
+Stephen Broll Hi Stephen, Great reminder about the swab! I wish I had included it in this video. Hopefully people will see your comment here.
+Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) And is it ok to run a rag on a band through the mouthpiece?
+Jan Smíšek Hi Jan - If it is very small. The swab that is designed for the whole clarinet is too big and ends up wearing down the inside of the mouthpiece over time. What I do is simply wrap the swab around my finger and dry out what I easily reach, and just let the rest air dry. You can wash your mouthpiece in medium temperature water from time to time.
Really helpful, well-organized, and understandable! Thank you so much, Michelle.
I've been using an M13 Lyre for about 6 years for my classical playing and I've always gotten a stable crisp tone from it especially after switching to Vandoren V12 3.5+ reeds. I use it in combination with a Bonade ligature. I used to use a Rovner dark ligature but I feel like I get a more instant and brighter tone.
I'm a flutist, but my son is a beginner clarinet player. He's been playing for almost 2 years. So, this was very good information. I am looking to upgrade his mouthpiece, and have no idea where to start. Good video!
You should do a video one barrels, it would make sense since you've made one on ligatures and mouthpieces.
Thanks for all your videos Michelle Anderson. I use vandoren BD5 and legere signature series reeds.
Just a thought here. I have been playing a 1947 model of a La Monte clarinet for the last 50+ years. Yep, same one i learned on. Now, I am using the same mouthpiece that came with it. And I can make my clarinet sing with a tone no other clarinet can match. Larger bore than what is found nowadays, it projects beautifully, and very easy to play. The only problem is being sharp and needs rings to lengthen it. I cannot find any barrel to fit it. Yet I can live with that. It is amazing what technique can do.
Nice presentation and very helpful.
Thank you for your advice via email Michelle. I went to my local music store today and tried out a bunch of mouthpieces and have settled on the Vandoren Black Diamond. :)
Hey, Michelle
I just started playing clarinet, and I cannot tell you how much you've helped me. Your videos are extremely helpful. I would do anything to have you as my teacher; sadly I live "across the pond."
Wish me luck and determination.
Keep up the good work, and greetings from Denmark.
- Henrik
+Ofc. Henrik Jensen Thanks for the kind words, Henrik. It is so great to hear from clarinetists worldwide! I hope you are enjoying your clarinet.
Hey, it's have been 4 years... How are you doing?
@@maiiaskrypnyk5234 It's been going really well. I got braces which made it difficult to play, and therefore started trumpet. I now play both. Braces are off and playing is going great. I play mostly Schumann's wind Sonatas and I'm having a lot of fun.
Really nice of you to ask, I hope your having fun with clarinet as well 😁
Thanks much Michelle. Very helpful info about how better mouthpieces are better. I don't really have a chance to try different ones so will start with Vandoren M!3 $92 on Amazon.
This video was made for me!!!! Some how, my mouth piece has chipped!!!! Thank you so much!!!!
Same situation here!😭
Great video. I agree, the mouthpiece is most important. I've actually found myself moving towards more open mouthpieces. I started with the M13 then went to the M13 Lyre then M30. Now I find myself very happy with the B40 13 by Vandoren with a 3.25 Legere signature or 3,5 Vandoren reed. Other great mouthpieces that I've tried were Rico mouthpieces (surprisingly dark sound but articulation wasn't very crisp in my opinion) and the Nick Kückmeier PlayEasy mouthpieces. The Kückmeier's have such a warm and resonant sound but for me don't project enough. Viotto mouthpieces are also top quality.
+Fernando Herrera Hi Fernando, thanks for the details on all of those mouthpieces that you have tried. The more resources we have here, the better for other clarinetists.
Fernando He
I’ve since witches to a vandoren BD5. I’ve also sold most of my mouthpieces or given them away to students.
As always your teachings are great. I tryed several mouthpieces until I found a crystal one (Pomarico Ruby) that works better for me with a soft reed.
When I was in eighth grade, I broke the mouthpiece that came with my clarinet (unfortunately it happened mere minutes before a solo contest in front of a room full of people), and I got a brand new one for like $20 or less from a local music store.
There was definitely a sound difference, and as much as that mouthpiece drives me crazy sometimes, it actually sounds better.
what kind did you get
Thank you so much for all the valuable information shared!!!
I've just recently (re)started playing clarinet (played from 7 to 20 yo and haven't touched a clarinet for 15 years) and I'm finding this channel really useful.
I'm using Vandoren 11.1 mouthpiece (I'm still struggling with the embouchure) and it gives me a rich and "round" sound which I like.
Hey Michelle ! First off all i would like to say that you are a great inspiration to me and that if, some day, i become a clarinet teacher i will definitely use the teaching methods you have developed in your instructional videos . Also, I would like to ask you if you have noticed any tuning problems from using ''series 13'' (vandoren) mouthpiece with non- r-13 clarinets (for example with a buffet festival) .
Love your videos, can you make a video teaching us a basic blues scale so I could improvise with a b-flat backtrack.
Very useful tips in this video. U are right I have been playing my beginner clarinet for 1 Year, now It makes me crazy to play higher notes in some music pieces. May be if I change my mouthpiece I can play it easier Instead of buying a new clarinet! Thank u very much Michelle u r awesome 👍🏻👍👍🏼
+Shad Tofiq Hi Shad, It is definitely worth exploring. Most better clarinets do not include better mouthpieces, so choosing one that you like may help you out. You can keep it when you upgrade your clarinet down the road.
I have been using every Yamaha mouthpiece from 3c to 7c. The last two mouthpieces that I bought were the J Hite and the Pyne Simfonia. The best mouthpiece I have is the Pyne Simfonia, because it has a better material and it has a better tone. the J Hite is similar to the Yamaha 7 c in the sound, but if you don't play the highest notes it can save you a lot in articulation since I use a softer plastic reed number 3. My next step should be having a 300 + mouthpiece once I become better.
The new BD5 from Vandoren is hands-down the best mouthpiece I have ever played, and that goes for custom pieces as well. It's worth a try!
+Tyler Cutts Thanks for the recommendation Tyler. I'll have to try one out.
Yasss bd5! I use that one too! I love it
Yessss it’s on my set up too! I have all Vandoren😂
Michelle, I purchased a Clark W Fobes Europa mouthpiece for $250. Before the Fobes, I I was on a Vandoren BD5. My tone drastically improved! At the TMEA convention, I tested a Behn Epic mouthpiece. I instantly feel in love, but was struck away by the price; it was $750!
😳
Play, on Rico X0 and it sounds awesome.
I love my Vandoren 5RV with Rovner Dark Ligature and Vandoren V21 #3.5 reeds. I was using the traditional reeds but your video on reeds convinced me to try them.
After being away from the clarinet for about 14 years I finally invested in a 5RV Lyre after starting up again and WOW. Love the difference compared to my standard Bundy plastic piece.
@@marstacinchurski it makes such a noticeable difference. I have just treated myself to a Backun Grenadilla barrel for my standard student Clarinet on Michelle's advice and I love it too. Next I am saving for a wooden bell.
As a rank amateur (at best) beginner with a good quality grenadilla clarinet, I've had the best luck with J. & D. Hite Premiere mouthpieces. I have two identical ones for my Bb and C instruments, and the Hite mouthpieces are inexpensive.
Love this, thank you! I recommend the Clark Fobes Debut for my new-to-clarinet students.
The Debut is the best mouthpiece I've seen under $50. All my students love them.
☝🏽 🎅🏻
I play on Buffet Aparis mouthpiece and clarinet and I really like it!
+Joseph Austin Faircloth Thanks Joseph. I haven't tried one those yet.
hi michelle i use a vandoren bd5. Its a great moutpiece
I just purchased a B Portnoy mouthpiece. Mr. Portnoy is/was with the Philadelphia Philharmonic. It is very reed friendly. The first time I played it I was amazed at how little effort it took to play and get a wonderful sound. I was playing on a B45 Vandoren. The Portnoy was much more easier to play and again, the sound is terrific!
That's great to hear. I have only heard good things about the Portnoy mouthpieces. I'm glad you found one that works well for you.
Is your B. Portnoy a 1, 2 or 3?
I use a refaced Vandoren M15 mouthpiece with either a 3.75 Signature Légère or a Vandoren V-12 4,0.
Also, I recommend exploring vintage clarinet mouthpieces; they're generally made with better material, and can be refaced to play as you want it. In my experience, they tend to be more resonant and projective, especially vintage Chedevilles and Kaspars!
+Rhos 'Sevee I know many people who swear by those older mouthpieces. It sounds like you have a good setup.
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson)
Yeah, my teacher has about three different Kaspars that he absolutely loves, and has an old Chedeville blank that he's having refaced by a mouthpiece maker that he knows well, in England. If I had money for vintage mouthpieces, I would grab up any (intact) Kapsar that popped up, their resonance is to die for!
I have bought Vandoren B45 dot, Profile 88 (CM3098). I am a complete beginner (did "Down by the Sally Gardens" yesterday and started "The Enternainer" today), but I could feel and hear the change instantly and it was a big WOW. I play it with Vandoren and Rico Royal reeds no.2- 2 1/2 (2 1/2 -3 1/2 Traditional or V.12 3-3 1/2+ are recomended, but I am not able to blow no.3 without "hiss sound" yet) and love the sound. Not sure, if I would pick up Profile 88 again, it might be a tiny bit too long for me, - but where I live, it is not possible to try different mouthpieces in even bigger musical shops and so I have no comparation. Before i ordered B45, I tried to buy Clark Fobes Debut, but shipping rates and customs were so high I just went for Vandoren at the same total price. Some people at the internet did not recommend B45 for beginners as they said it is too open but I listened to different comparation videos and loved the B45 sound sooo much I took this risk and am happy with it. I envy the states, where you can try different mouthpieces before buying, anyway.
Michelle, thank you for your videos. I pay my private clarinet teacher, but he seems to be more of a good musician than a good teacher. I have learned more from your and William Ridenour videos so far. If I ever decide to move abroad, It would be Vancouver, BC for sure (:-).
+Jan Smíšek Thanks for the kind words Jan. You have a good mouthpiece in the Vandoren B45. I'm sure it is quite an upgrade from whatever came with your instrument. If you ever are in a place where you play test more, you might find something you like even better, but you have taken an important first step in having a good one now. You will grow into stiffer reeds as your airstream develops into a faster flow, and your embouchure strengthens. I think it is mostly about air, so continue to work on that and your tone will continue to improve. It sounds like you are off to a great start.
I am playing a Vandoren B45 with a 2,5 Vandoren reed... Some times a legere 3... But I really fund in the 3th octave from the C on going up my sound is sharp. Is upgrading my mouthpiece a good idea? My Clarinet is a Boffet Crampon R.C. Presige.
Hello as you can tell, I am a sax player for over 40 years. I am buying an older overhauled R13. (Beginner!)I read where the Vandoren B46 is good for sax players. Any ideas??. I have plenty of chops and air. I play a #3 V16 on my Tenor and Alto saxes, and a #4 on soprano which is similar size to clarinet MP. Thankyou in advance.
hi wonder how can tell a clarinet been play since july had tell if is clarinet is wood r plaster how would i know cause i want get new one what good one if get some advice ..i upgrade mouth piece then go on with reed too but just to upgrade to better one that all !!
Michele ... I received a new Protege from Backun ... you mentioned you have a cocobolo Moba barrel and bell. Could you tell me what size or specific model you have? I would like to get the same set up for my horn. Also could you tell me the model for your Backun mouthpiece Thanks for your help
I’ve been playing on an M15 lyre for 15 years and I’m thinking about getting a new mouthpiece. I play sax as well but I’m a lot more picky when it comes to changing clarinet mouthpieces. I’ve been playing clarinet for 45 years but I’m open to new ideas. So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Someone gave me a Selmer (Paris) C, when I started playing again after many years of not playing. It was better than whatever came with the rental instrument I had. I later bought a used Selmer (USA) "Soloist' & the seller had 2 MPs for me to try. The Selmer (Paris) HS* was just amazing (by comparison). I said, "Oh my gosh, *this* is what I want a clarinet to sound like!" Of course, someone else with a different mouth might have a different experience. It sounds even better with Mitchel Lurie reads -- my favorite so far. Next time I need new ones I'll try Vandoren, but that won't be for a while.
+Sue Levin Hi Sue, You already have a good mouthpiece, and since you've compared it to a different good one that didn't work as well, odds are you have one that fits your face pretty well. There are always other options, and you may in time find a better one. However, your own view that "This is what you want the clarinet to sound like" is a good indicator that you are already on the right track.
Hello Michelle, I am a clarinet player who is currently an undergraduate Music Education student. I am just curious how you feel about the differences between the Silverstein Ligature you use now compared to the original classic you used to?
Thanks, Winfield
I play on an M13L but not sure which ones to try. Can you talk about how they are different other than the quality of how they're made like which brands is the opening slanted more or bigger or smaller? And what about the M13 L does that tend to have a smaller opening or bigger and the b45 does that tend to have a bigger or smaller opening and are the more higher end ones tend to gravitate towards the smaller openings are the bigger openings or do they have a mix. And do ligatures play much of a difference in sound quality or are they just a tool to hold the reed in place. I also use vandoren V12 reeds in strength two and a half and three. I find it more difficult to play on the b45 mouthpiece but I'm not sure why I tend to like M13L or even which ones to try with that being said
I’m now using a Selmer Concept for Bb clarinet with orange box Rico #3 reeds. Anyone else tried the Concept?
Hi, this question doesn't really have to do with this video. For some reason I can't play the high C with just the register and thumb keys, but I can play the D right above, I've been playing bass clarinet for a while, but I was out of it for a while and getting back into it but I don't own a bass clarinet, only a regular Bb clarinet and I'm having trouble with the higher register. And I'm wondering why it's taking so much effort for that C but I can bust out the higher D much easier, is it an embouchure thing or what, I need tips.... Thanks
I love my Gennusa Excelente GE. This is a low resistance mouthpiece with a warm sound. It was designed by Iggy Gennusa, longtime principal clarinetist at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The GE has a close tip distance. On any mouthpiece, watch that the tip rail is perfectly consistent in width. Also, the reed platform should be perfectly flat and the side rails consistently the same on both sides.
+smitty0200 Thank you for mentioning the Genussa mouthpieces. I have never tried one, but I have colleagues who love them. Good points about physical things to look for.
I played a Gennusa for many years until I think it finally wore out. I’ve never played another mouthpiece like it. I think Redwine is now making them.
Smitty0200, just curious, did your Gennusa love hard reeds and hate soft ones? I had that issue.
I use a vandoren b45! what barrel is that??
I use a Rico reserve X0 (a very closed facing mouthpiece) with vandoren bluebox 3.5 reeds and a vandoren optimum ligature and a buffet e11 clarinet.
Thanks for the input, Mark. All of your gear is very good quality. I'm glad you have taken the time to find a combination that plays well for you.
what do you think of old vintage clarinets and their mouthpieces? There seem to be some nice vintage clarinets for sale on the market
I have a Reserve Rico X0 and Vandoren B45.I love playing on the B45 because it is so easy to play and it is perfectly in tune.However,the Rico X0 has a more warmer sound.
Thanks for adding your comments here. Ease of playing and tone quality are both factors to evaluate when comparing mouthpieces, for sure.
I have tried two mouthpieces that I like and they are very different. One is a Brad Benn Vintage II. A very different mouthpiece I like takes a lighter reed, equivalent to a Vandoren 2 1/2. This is a Ridenour HW mouthpiece (HW = Harold Wright). You can read up on both of these mouthpieces on the respective websites. I also like a Clark Fobes CWF mouthpiece. In my student days, I played an O'Brien glass mouthpiece. But nowadays, I especially like the Behn hard rubber quality of the low register.
I am returning to playing from nearly 50 years of not playing, so I am hesitant to make comments. But spend for the quality.
I also think that it is worth investigating a quality barrel such as that made by Clark Fobes. Hard rubber lined Cocobolo seems to make a difference with my 1913 Buffet model A clarinet. It improves intonation.
Philip Pallette if you are still interested in barreled check out the Aidoni barrels from Melanie Wong. It’s the same Martin Fröst uses. It’s really amazing!
I am in year 7 and i have ameb grade 3. Do you recommend me to buy the M13 Lyre or M30 lyre or any other Vandoren 13 Series B-flat Clarinet Mouthpiece? Please Answer!!!:) 😃😃😄😄😄😉😉😍😍😍😎😎😎😤😤😤😏😏😏✔✔✔:):)
Hi Michelle, I love your videos. I was just wondering, do you have a video that discusses the overall best order to upgrade parts of your clarinet? I watched the ligature video before coming to this one and you said that the mouthpiece is better to upgrade before the ligature. So I think it would be helpful to have a video that offers a guide on what you should upgrade and when. :)
Thanks again for your wonderful videos.
Great video idea, Michael! I would say mouthpiece first, for sure. Depending upon your instrument and budget, a ligature can improve things, but is not as drastic a change (however can be a relatively inexpensive upgrade). A good new barrel (even a wooden one on a plastic clarinet) can dramatically upgrade tone, for less cost than upgrading to a full wooden instrument. Next, would be upgrading the whole clarinet. There are some lovely bells out there, too, but I think the barrel makes as much difference, and I would choose that first. I'll try and organize that better in a video.
I have Ridenour that I like at the moment, I also used Brad Behn in the past which I also liked.
+Craig Parrott I've heard good things about both of those. Thanks for adding them to the list here.
What does Yamaha have to offer? When i was in band 5 years ago some kid in class knocked over my clarinet and thus my original yamaha (4c i believe) mouthpiece was shattered. The replacement was a generic primo mouthpiece. i have no clue as to whether the yamaha mouthpiece was better or not due to it being so long ago. In your opinion is the mouthpiece i have now decent? Should i look into what Yamaha has to offer (to match) or should i look into the ones you mentioned in the video?
Vandoren B45, 2/5 Reed = perfect for Musicals where you have to change styles at the drop of a hat. BUT I had to get a shorter Barrel. For Orchestra all the time? I would go with your ideas.
Are the M15 and M30s by Vandoran more open than closed? And what size reeds should I be using with them? Thanks!
Well... I'm a Bass Clarinet player and I play a Vandoren B50 Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece with Traditional Blue Box Reeds Size 4.
@Tyguy80s ☝🏽 😎. I use a 2,5 when play on the B50. The B50 is too open for strong reeds
Hi, I just began clarinet and I;m finding that after a little while, the reed is closer to the top. The mouthpiece gets smaller towards the top, maybe thats why my reed slides up a little. I dont know , what do you think?...Thanks
Hi, what Clarinet mouthpieces do you recommend that are professional level and high quality?
Hi Michelle... Can a mouthpiece help improve embouchure? Or conversely can a mouthpiece not the right shape for your mouth make good embouchure more difficult?
I am playing a Leblanc Bliss Clarinet with a Van Doren 5RV mouthpiece with Van Doren V21, 3 or 3 1/2 reeds. I an finding that the 5RV has me consistently sharp as I play up in the top of the clarion range and once into the altissimo range even more more (as much as 20 cents sharp!). So if I tune for those higher notes (think Sousa marches), my lower (chalameau) notes are flat.
What are your thoughts about this? I consistently get criticized in the band for being sharp on those high notes. I am tired of it and want to figure out how to get the entire Clarinet in tune! I am thinking a different mouthpiece will help (with the shorter tube on the high notes.)
Michelle, could you please talk about crystal mouthpieces?
Is the BVandoren BD5 Black Diamond Ebonite Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece Good? I ahve heard many good reviews. Please Answer!!!:) 😃😃😄😄😄😉😉😍😍😍😎😎😎😤😤😤😏😏😏✔✔✔:):)
I highly recommend the vandoren 5jB, I purchased it for about 80 to 100 dollars (I've forgotten the price, sorry) after dropping and chipping my B45 which had come with my instrument, rendering it useless. The 5jB (at least with my experience and set up) is much less resistant on high notes (at least compared to the B45) and produces much more rich on low notes. in addition the 5jB gives a much louder sound which is great if you have a solo or main melody in say a piece where it may be hard for your sound to stand out.
Lars Osteen Thank you! I was actually planning on switching from my B45• to a 5JB... your recommendation has given me greater confidence in my decision.
Larissa Osteen the bright sound though is because it is a jazz mouthpiece
Larissa Osteen I mean if it works for you great
I have both mouthpieces right now. I find that the B45 provides a much richer, darker tone than the 5jb but that’s expected as the jb is a jazz mouthpiece. I agree the 5jb is much less resistant than the B45 however I find in the lower, throaty range the 5jb lets a lot more of air escape compared to the B45. Both are good mouthpieces though for sure
You should review the new LIBRE clarinet ligature sold on ebay
Thanks for the great video, Michelle! After watching, I have been researching mouthpieces for my 9 year old daughter who is a clarinetist. Now that she has become a lot more serious about the clarinet, we are looking to upgrade the stock mouthpiece that originally came with her Jupiter student clarinet. I am really interested in the Vandoren M13 Lyre but I have read in a few places online that you cannot use a reed softer than a 3.0 with this mouthpiece? Is this correct? 2.5 seems to work best for my daughter given her age (she doesn't quite have the wind for a 3.0 quite yet!). We don't really have the option to try out mouthpieces before buying. Could this model be an appropriate choice for her or should I be considering other options? :)
Kristin Cornell In my opinion, your daughter would be perfectly fine with a M13 Lyre. Different mouthpieces have different relationships with reed strengths, so if you chose that mouthpiece, you could keep her on the 2.5 for a little while, the mouthpiece might demand a 3, but by the time she grows, she will be able to play on a 3 strength reed perfectly fine. I play on a M30 with a 3.5 reed, and it works great. Hope this helps!
Sometimes I hate how we have so many different parts and variations of all those parts. It's hard to get a combo that is free blowing, yet sounding full and not thin and brittle, especially up high, and in tune. Eeeeeeeverything affects the sound, ligature, reeds (so... Many... Kinds... Of.... Reeds.......) mouthpiece, and barrel. And even sometimes the bell! It's overwhelming. So I just stick with my Vandoren B45, which is my fav of any mouthpiece I've tried from the $100-150 range, until I can physically try better mouthpieces at a music store.
Thanks for the video though, I've been wanting more info on mouthpieces!
+Michael Pfahler Many people like and appreciate the Vandoren B45. It has been well-regarded for years. I do think the Vandoren "M" series is also worth checking out if you are ever in a music store and have the chance. Luckily, you already have a good setup.
Need a $30-50 price range of standard basic mouthpieces... the best knock-off "4C" mouthpieces... maybe APMs?
hi Mrs Anderson.I have a question.I have been playing clarinet for about 3 years and I play in an orchestra.my tutor told me to use reed 2.5 because I'm professional now but I'm not really comfortable with it.I am really good with 1.5 and I can play high notes with it too.Is it neccessary for me to use the reed 2.5?
3 year since y asking MA?
By now y know what reed y need I think?
Playing in a band, orch y need at least 2, but Im no expert!
Keep playing and test what is best for y.
JDB
Michelle, when I play, I press my mouth very hard on the mouthpiece, currently I'm using one with 1.10mm open.
My sound is very 'stuck', I wish it were a little more open, looser.
Would you recommend a larger or smaller opening mouthpiece?
A closer (smaller) opening on a mouthpiece should be more helpful to you. Like a 5RV (not the Lyre) or a Reserve X5, or X0
Thank you for this! As always, very useful. Maybe it's because I have come back to the clarinet as a senior citizen, but when I first upgraded to a highly recommended Vandoren B45 I found it tiring to play for any length of time, and a bit uncomfortable. Pascal Veraquin of Montreal recommended going to the M30 Lyre, and I have since added the M13 Lyre. I use the M30 for band, with a Vandoren #3 reed, and the M13 for chamber music, with a #3.5 reed. Either way, I have found them both much more comfortable than the B45. Incidentally, I have found that the M13 produces absolutely consistent intonation on my elderly Noblet instrument (and in tune with the Noblet's own barrel), while the other two become less in tune as I move up the scale.
+Naomi Ridout Hi Naomi - Thanks for all of the details. That will be helpful to others. It really showcases how different each mouthpiece can be in many elements of playing - reed strength, intonation and tone. I'm glad you have a good combination.
I have a Noblet as well! Thank you for the detailed response. I have just begun my search and am a bit overwhelmed. :)
For a beginning returning clarinetist which Vandoren mouthpiece would you recommend. I heard that antip opening of 110 is good for a beginning student.
I have found the Yamaha 4c is a good beginner returning mouthpiece
What makes a mouthpiece easier to play, i.e. use less air to get a clean tone? Bigger gap? Smaller gap? Longer or shorter gap? Do materials make a difference? Tia.
And a followup question is is it good for a student to get a professional mouthpiece? Or will they need to develop more mouth control before they can even play a professional one?
Hi Michelle I wanted to know how you like the Beechler white diamond mouthpiece for clarinets.
Hi - Sorry for the delay in replying. I haven't tried that one, and I don't have any colleagues who use it to consult. As with any mouthpiece though, if you like it and it works for you, it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks.
I was at the Music Store and I was trying out Vandoren's new BD5 Black Diamond mouthpiece. (currently I'm using the M13 Lyre) It sounded amazing, my tone quality was so much more clear and professional, some of the clarinet players at the store agreed. The only problem was that the mouthpiece had a different chamber, and this created more air resistance (I has to blow harder) I was wondering, will I get use to this over time?
Game Addiction I used a V12 4 with the M13 lyre. I now use a 3 V21 with the BD5. You might just need to use a softer reed. I find it’s important to play like this, with a more relaxed embouchure when it comes to the BD5. You don’t need a rock solid embouchure to focus the sound. The design really does that for you. You do need the relaxation for air flow since the BD5 can be so resistant.
@@fernie51296 how difficult is it to articulate on the BD5? (Articulate in all ranges for example)
I have a B40 13 and nowadays I bought one B45 and one 5RV for tests. I play in a hundred Clarinet France in Ébano, Romain Braude, and I just bought one Evette Shaeffer master model 1950, I don't know if is good, because I don't test him eat, I just learned about this series. I hope if my sound will be better, I am just an amateur, but I love clarinet... Thanks
Thanks for your comments. I'm curious to know which mouthpiece you end up liking best.
The B40 13 is better than the outher options, for my idea about the better sound for the clarinet. But I would like to play with the BD5, I am a lot curious about this mouthpiece, perhaps I will buy the BD5
Hi Michelle i just bought a bflat clarinet but i don't know what kind of mouth piece i should get.
Clark Forbes debut
Clarinets are my favorite instrument so I think it's important that I sound my best
xD
Thanks
Thank you Holly. I hope you are enjoying your clarinet.
Hello Michelle. I am just starting to play and intuitively sense that a 'decent' mouth piece would make the learning situation perhaps more pleasant. Given that there are so very many variations in mouth pieces and in the human mouth and given that I do not have the option of trying out mouth pieces, can you possibly recommend a 'good bet' mouth piece. Someone below mentioned a B Portnoy as an easy-to-blow mouth piece? Or, there is the Van Doren M13. Any suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated.
If I had to recommend a "good bet", I would go with the Vandoren M13 Lyre. It works well for most people.
Thank you and it was what I thought you might recommend. Ciao
Thank you for this interesting video, by the way I play a Vandoren B40 lyre with Vandoren 3 reeds. I am still wondering about the barrel you're playing with.
I'd like to have some information about barrels as they are also numerous and very different.
Yours , greetings from "Adolphe Sax country"
+Eric Drabs Hi Eric - I play on Backun barrels. The one in this video is a cocobolo MoBa barrel, but I also use their FatBoy barrels, and I have some grenadilla ones too. I love the different tone colours and timbres that a good barrel can bring to the clarinet. There are many kinds out there. As with most clarinet gear, it is worth simply trying them out to discover what fits best with your ideal sound concept.
@@ClarinetMentors Hi Michelle, thank you for your excellent videos. They have helped me so much as I began clarinet a few months ago during COVID, and so I have been unable to find a teacher. I have been playing on a lovely Noblet clarinet, and wondering about perhaps purchasing one of the Backun barrels to enhance the sound. Do you have a video on barrels?
I'm a 7th grade Bass Clarinetist and I'm on the schools mouthpiece and I'm looking for one. Does anyone have a suggestion.
Some of the Vandoren and Selmer bass clarinet mouthpieces work really well and are reasonably priced. If you can try some at a local music store, that would be best.
I am considering replacing with a Vandoren mouthpiece but am a bit confused by what it says on the website. Vandoren cater for the North American market and has traditional and profile mouthpieces? Not familiar with any of these terms. I play a Buffet E 13 and live in UK.
It's basically saying that it has mouthpiece models made specifically for American clarinetists (for instance, the profile 88 available for certain models), as American clarinetists favor a different clarinet bore and sound concept. Since you live in the UK -- where the European sound concept is most prevalent -- and use an E-13 (the student model of the RC bore concept), it is most likely that you will want to use the traditional Vandorens.
Hello, I was wondering if clarinet mouthpieces lose its tone quality over time. I use a Clark Fobes San Francisco mouthpiece that is over 30 years old. It still works adequately but do you recommend I invest in a new mouthpiece instead?
Mouthpieces can last for years, so yours may be fine. However, they can also warp and change. A good technician can test yours to see if it is still balanced. You could also try some new ones if you have the option to play test some. We can usually tell if we like a mouthpiece almost instantly. Yours may be fine, but it doesn't hurt to try different options from time to time.
The hard rubber blanks Fobes uses seem to be soft. I love my CF+, but there's some clear wear at the table,from the window, from shifting reeds back and forth. It still seals but it makes me nervous.
I am currently using a Vandoren 5-RV Lyre which is definitely a better mouthpiece than the no name brand but it isn't much better than my old intermediate V-b45 mouthpiece so I am in search for a better one. (:
+Austin Pike Hi Austin. The Vandoren mouthpieces that you have are good, but you may want to step up to some of the higher end ones (Backun, Lomax, and others mentioned here and in comments from others). If you have a chance to try some in person, you'll get a sense of what works for you.
I love my B45, hoping to try a M13 and M30 eventually though too
Firemaster39 try the vandoren BD5. Wonderful mouthpiece. Just make sure you are using soft enough reeds.
I love my m30. I changed from a reserve XO to one and it's way better.
@@kirkt3970 could you expound on how much better it is ?
@@kirkt3970 what strength reed do you use on the BD5?
I have a Borbeck mouthpiece. I wish someone would review that one.
Hi, I have the opportunity to buy one of these three mouth pieces without tryin' them: Vandoren Masters CL4, Vandoren 5RV Lyre and Rico Reserve X5. I'm a total beginner. Can you recommend me one of these?. Saludos desde México.
I am a beginner too. I bought a Clark W Fobes Debut (Student) mouthpiece. I works great. USD 40
I have been playing a 5RV Lyre for several months, and it has been very good. Now I am thinking about trying a mouthpiece that is more closed, hoping it may make it little easier for me to hit the higher notes that are in our band music. I loved the 5RV when I first got it, right after I started playing. It was a big improvement over the mouthpiece I was using. I use Vandoren V12 reeds in 3.0 or Legere European cut in 3.5 on a Noblet Artiste (wood clarinet) with a Rovner or inverted metal ligature.
I am having trouble signing up for the news letter. I received the verification e-mail and when I clicked on the link it just sent me right back to the website.
+Austin Pike Hi Austin, if you received a "Welcome to the Clarinet Mentors Community" email, you are registered. I just sent out a newsletter with this video, and I'm anticipating the next one in 2 -3 weeks. Meanwhile, you can look at past newsletters at: archive.aweber.com/clarinetletter
To anyone struggling with a mouthpiece I'd suggest the vandoren m30d mouthpiece. It's made for German system but works on all clarinets. The resonance and power on that mouthpiece is excellent, and the tone is so much darker and colourful than the m30 or M13. Runs for around $180
Thanks for the recommendation, Daniel. I'm also recommending the Backun Vocalise mouthpiece for anyone who wants to use Legere European cut reeds.
I love the pomarico crystal mouthpieces on both my E-11 and Soprano Sax.
Many people are enjoying those mouthpieces.
How consistent are the Vandoren mouthpieces? Is it possible that I could get one that doesn't play well? I want to upgrade to the BD5 mouthpiece, but my private instructor says they are inconsistent and to be very careful about buying them. Vandoren themselves assure that their mouthpieces are extremely consistent though, so should I make sure to try out whichever one before I buy it?
Good question. It has been a while since I play tested Vandoren mouthpieces, and I haven't tried the BD5. However, when I did last do a thorough test (on M13 Lyres, I believe), I found that most of them were good. Having said that, there were a couple that stood out as being better. It seems strange that the same material and same specifications could create much difference, but there were clear differences between them. If you have the luxury to try them out, I recommend it. I try and be really nice to the staff and convince them that I really do need to try all of the mouthpieces with the same facing to find the one that I like best.
Does the mouthpiece affect how well you can play certain notes on a clarinet?
It can have an effect on the ease of playing certain notes, regarding resistance and such. It depends on what amount of resistance is comfortable for you, and how well it responds.
+Joseph Austin Faircloth I agree with Rhos. A better mouthpiece can make some notes feel more responsive. However, if you have a few notes that don't work well, it may be a mechanical issue. Many people find high notes feel easier on a better mouthpiece because it makes your air work more efficiently.
Certain notes maybe not, but certain registers certainly. Think of the throat tones, or the altissimo register.
What about buffet crampon?
What do you think of Walter grabner mouthpieces?
Tim McQuaid Love my Grabner m/p on my Uebel Preference.
Anything to say about Vandoren CL4?
+eggaskaul I haven't tried that one myself. However, if you do have a chance to play test a few, you can discover what works well for you.
Hi there I like the vandoren 5rv lyre. Uses reeds at strength 3 or 3.5
+Bryan O' Connell That is a very good mouthpiece. Thanks for adding it to this list.
Will music stores actually let you try out mouthpieces?
+Game Addiction Most larger stores (who understand how important this is) will allow you to try mouthpieces. They sometimes will ask you to buy a mouthpiece patch, which prevents scratching them (about $6 for a package of 4 -6 patches). Sometimes they have a sterilizer spray available. You can phone and ask to speak to a "woodwind" specialist at your local store and find out what your options are. Some stores will send you some via mail to try out if you have no luck locally.
Have you tried the Vandoren Black Diamond mouthpiece?I have heard wonderful reviews.Some include (an almost flute tone in the altissimo),(brilliant ring),and (a dark yet clear tone throughout the low register to the altissimo.
Yes, it's impressive, I tried it out at the store, and I'm definitely getting one this summer. It's pretty affordable as well, if you don't already have it, I would definitely recommend it.
Game Addiction Have you tried the Vandoren CL5?It plays like a BD5,but it has a more flexible tone.
JustAnotherClarinetist No I haven't, maybe I should...
JustAnotherClarinetist I actually just play tested it and ordered it today. It's brilliant tbh. I'm coming from an m30 and i think it's a great step up from that. Altissimo tone is probably the most prominent of its positive quality.
I’ve switched to a BD5 as well. I’ve played vandoren M13, M13 lyre, M30 13, and B40 13 in that order. Along with kuckmeier viotto. All great mouthpieces but I prefer the BD5 with V21 reeds the most.
The CL5 is also great. I tried it at my local music store, but I much prefer the BD5!
Michelle ... would be interested in who makes your clarinet ... thanks
+Kevin Toth I play on a Backun Grenadilla clarinet with Moba barrels and bells out of cocobolo. It is a beautiful clarinet.
+Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) ... what is the model for your Backun mouth piece? ... I have a Leblanc Noblet N model (intermediate) clarinet currently and will be moving up to a Backun Protege in the near future ... suggestions for a Backun mouthpiece?
What do you think of richard hawkins G mouthpiece?
I just got it, but I had B45 and CL4 earlier...
I haven't tried that one, but I have heard great things about his mouthpieces. Every person responds differently to mouthpieces, so if you can try a few, that would be your best option.
I have a clarinet private teacher that makes mouthpieces for D'addario!
+Nicholas Zhang I bet you have a good source for good mouthpieces there! Lucky you!
B45 13