Mouthpiece Facings Options

[sbhoa]

I got my M30 from woodwind exchange and they were very helpful.
Having said that I'm not sure I'd go again if shopping for a mouthpiece.
When I had my first mouthpiece upgrade I was able to meet b-c in London and we went to Howarths.
They had a wider range of mouthpieces where woodwind exchange had almost all Vandoren mouthpieces.
I began with a 5RV which came with my Hanson clarinet. After that I had a Hite D for about 2 1/2 years.
The move to the M30 was made when my teacher thought I needed something with more depth and flexibility.

I've found the Howarth's mouthpiece chart really helpful and if it were more practical for me to get there, I think they would be my first stop, actually. I'm not sure whether they would send mouthpieces on approval but I may give them a ring and ask.

I think I'm most likely to get on with the mouthpieces in their close or medium close sections - the B40L, B45 and Yamaha 6c, which I've had previously and discarded, all fall into the medium open section on their chart, whereas my current HS* falls into the close section. It was actually the M15, not the M30 which I'd been looking at but will bear the M30 in mind anyway!

I have a shortlist of makes I want to try but there are at least two or three models I want to try within that, so my search may be a long one!

Howarths will definitely send them on approval but I'm not sure how many they will let you have at once, I've had 3 on trial at once from them before

I had 2 on approval from Dawkes when I first started my search. This was the maximum and I had to effectively pay then get a refund. Then there was postage both ways to consider.
I don't think I'd do that again as each time I've gone mouthpiece shopping I've begun with about 8. Though this soon narrows down you don't know when you begin what will be the contenders.

[Tequila]

I'm going to enjoy following this thread as mouthpiece "shopping" is on my to do list as well.... whether it is actual shopping or just trying a lot out will depend on the sounds made .....

I've had my 5RV for around 20-25 years now I think. I still love the sound it makes but am wondering if it's time to try a new one as mine has some signs of wear around the tip and just occasionally I'm not getting what I want from my playing sound wise.

Reading a brochure recently it suggested trying the same model but brand new mouthpiece fairly frequently so that you could tell if yours was wearing out, had changed sound through use etc... So I'm going to start with this and experiment a bit.

I like the sound description of the Vandoren B40 dot, or maybe lyre mouthpiece. Have tried and not been too keen on the B45 previously but it was the profile 88 rather than traditional beak so could be worth another try. I'm open to suggestion on brand and model as I too find all the specs a bit confusing and rather daunting.

I use Woodwind Exchange in Bradford and the people there are very knowledgeable and able to advise. Incidently, they now also sell reeds at Reeds Direct Prices and if you are buying enough (in my case 10) you are able to mix and match ... I bought 10 Rue lepics but in different strengths 3 and 3.5.

Rather liking the strength of the 3.5s at present though they take a touch more blowing in.

A randomish thought ..... could be a silly one though .... Clarijo since you are fairly near me .... maybe we could look together and provide each other with a second opinion???? Though we may both have different "ears" and aims for the sound we are after .... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

I would definitely be up for a shopping trip and you are welcome to use my ears!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Having heard you play, I think we probably like a similar sound.

I would prefer to have some mouthpieces to try out and 'get to know' at home, rather than buying in a shop but that doesn't mean that I'm not interested in trying some out anyway! I am coming to York (sorry Barry - promise to get the form off this week!!) so perhaps we can sort something out then? As you know, I'm tied up during the week and now have band on Saturday mornings but that's only during term time.

I'm not ruling out Vandoren mouthpieces at all but there are some other makes which I'm also interested in at lieast considering - do they have quite a good selection at Woodwind Exchange? I'm not sure about Banks - get the impression that's it's quite limited. There's Scheerers in Leeds and a Dawsons has just opened too but again, I'm not sure what the selection will be like... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Louise (or indeed anyone else nearby!) are you interested in this too? Perhaps we could have a forum trip?!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

Yep might be very difficult to organise ..... Not sure what WWE have in stock but I'm headed there maybe at the weekend or the one after .... so I will ask. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I think maybe I'd like to whittle down the choice and then see about comparing a couple or so on approval
...... unless I decide to simply stick with the 5RV.

Tried the M something back when I got my clarinet think it was the 30 but could equally have been the 15. It was very similar to the 5RV and at that point I couldn't really tell the difference as the clari was so new anyway. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Saxophile: A number of books I've read recently say something along your lines ..... The Art of the Clarinet book by Keith Stein says something about this.

(I'm paraphrasing here) Advanced players can become fanatics about searching for the perfect mouthpiece and would do better to address their playing techniques. Conversely amateur players often do nothing towards improving their sound in this way.

[clarijo]

I'm going to enjoy following this thread as mouthpiece "shopping" is on my to do list as well.... whether it is actual shopping or just trying a lot out will depend on the sounds made .....

I've had my 5RV for around 20-25 years now I think. I still love the sound it makes but am wondering if it's time to try a new one as mine has some signs of wear around the tip and just occasionally I'm not getting what I want from my playing sound wise.

Reading a brochure recently it suggested trying the same model but brand new mouthpiece fairly frequently so that you could tell if yours was wearing out, had changed sound through use etc... So I'm going to start with this and experiment a bit.

I like the sound description of the Vandoren B40 dot, or maybe lyre mouthpiece. Have tried and not been too keen on the B45 previously but it was the profile 88 rather than traditional beak so could be worth another try. I'm open to suggestion on brand and model as I too find all the specs a bit confusing and rather daunting.

I use Woodwind Exchange in Bradford and the people there are very knowledgeable and able to advise. Incidently, they now also sell reeds at Reeds Direct Prices and if you are buying enough (in my case 10) you are able to mix and match ... I bought 10 Rue lepics but in different strengths 3 and 3.5.

Rather liking the strength of the 3.5s at present though they take a touch more blowing in.

A randomish thought ..... could be a silly one though .... Clarijo since you are fairly near me .... maybe we could look together and provide each other with a second opinion???? Though we may both have different "ears" and aims for the sound we are after .... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

I would definitely be up for a shopping trip and you are welcome to use my ears!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Having heard you play, I think we probably like a similar sound.

I would prefer to have some mouthpieces to try out and 'get to know' at home, rather than buying in a shop but that doesn't mean that I'm not interested in trying some out anyway! I am coming to York (sorry Barry - promise to get the form off this week!!) so perhaps we can sort something out then? As you know, I'm tied up during the week and now have band on Saturday mornings but that's only during term time.

I'm not ruling out Vandoren mouthpieces at all but there are some other makes which I'm also interested in at lieast considering - do they have quite a good selection at Woodwind Exchange? I'm not sure about Banks - get the impression that's it's quite limited. There's Scheerers in Leeds and a Dawsons has just opened too but again, I'm not sure what the selection will be like... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Louise (or indeed anyone else nearby!) are you interested in this too? Perhaps we could have a forum trip?!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

Yep might be very difficult to organise ..... Not sure what WWE have in stock but I'm headed there maybe at the weekend or the one after .... so I will ask. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I think maybe I'd like to whittle down the choice and then see about comparing a couple or so on approval
...... unless I decide to simply stick with the 5RV.

Tried the M something back when I got my clarinet think it was the 30 but could equally have been the 15. It was very similar to the 5RV and at that point I couldn't really tell the difference as the clari was so new anyway. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Saxophile: A number of books I've read recently say something along your lines ..... The Art of the Clarinet book by Keith Stein says something about this.

(I'm paraphrasing here) Advanced players can become fanatics about searching for the perfect mouthpiece and would do better to address their playing techniques. Conversely amateur players often do nothing towards improving their sound in this way.

Fair enough, Dawn - sure we'll get an opportunity to chat and compare notes at the playday. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

[Tequila]

I'm going to enjoy following this thread as mouthpiece "shopping" is on my to do list as well.... whether it is actual shopping or just trying a lot out will depend on the sounds made .....

I've had my 5RV for around 20-25 years now I think. I still love the sound it makes but am wondering if it's time to try a new one as mine has some signs of wear around the tip and just occasionally I'm not getting what I want from my playing sound wise.

Reading a brochure recently it suggested trying the same model but brand new mouthpiece fairly frequently so that you could tell if yours was wearing out, had changed sound through use etc... So I'm going to start with this and experiment a bit.

I like the sound description of the Vandoren B40 dot, or maybe lyre mouthpiece. Have tried and not been too keen on the B45 previously but it was the profile 88 rather than traditional beak so could be worth another try. I'm open to suggestion on brand and model as I too find all the specs a bit confusing and rather daunting.

I use Woodwind Exchange in Bradford and the people there are very knowledgeable and able to advise. Incidently, they now also sell reeds at Reeds Direct Prices and if you are buying enough (in my case 10) you are able to mix and match ... I bought 10 Rue lepics but in different strengths 3 and 3.5.

Rather liking the strength of the 3.5s at present though they take a touch more blowing in.

A randomish thought ..... could be a silly one though .... Clarijo since you are fairly near me .... maybe we could look together and provide each other with a second opinion???? Though we may both have different "ears" and aims for the sound we are after .... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

I would definitely be up for a shopping trip and you are welcome to use my ears!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Having heard you play, I think we probably like a similar sound.

I would prefer to have some mouthpieces to try out and 'get to know' at home, rather than buying in a shop but that doesn't mean that I'm not interested in trying some out anyway! I am coming to York (sorry Barry - promise to get the form off this week!!) so perhaps we can sort something out then? As you know, I'm tied up during the week and now have band on Saturday mornings but that's only during term time.

I'm not ruling out Vandoren mouthpieces at all but there are some other makes which I'm also interested in at lieast considering - do they have quite a good selection at Woodwind Exchange? I'm not sure about Banks - get the impression that's it's quite limited. There's Scheerers in Leeds and a Dawsons has just opened too but again, I'm not sure what the selection will be like... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Louise (or indeed anyone else nearby!) are you interested in this too? Perhaps we could have a forum trip?!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

Yep might be very difficult to organise ..... Not sure what WWE have in stock but I'm headed there maybe at the weekend or the one after .... so I will ask. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I think maybe I'd like to whittle down the choice and then see about comparing a couple or so on approval
...... unless I decide to simply stick with the 5RV.

Tried the M something back when I got my clarinet think it was the 30 but could equally have been the 15. It was very similar to the 5RV and at that point I couldn't really tell the difference as the clari was so new anyway. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Saxophile: A number of books I've read recently say something along your lines ..... The Art of the Clarinet book by Keith Stein says something about this.

(I'm paraphrasing here) Advanced players can become fanatics about searching for the perfect mouthpiece and would do better to address their playing techniques. Conversely amateur players often do nothing towards improving their sound in this way.

Fair enough, Dawn - sure we'll get an opportunity to chat and compare notes at the playday. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

We sure will (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) It'll be good to see you again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/jumpin.gif)

[sbhoa]

Fair enough, Dawn - sure we'll get an opportunity to chat and compare notes at the playday. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

We sure will (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) It'll be good to see you again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/jumpin.gif)

Can I play? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

[Tequila]

Fair enough, Dawn - sure we'll get an opportunity to chat and compare notes at the playday. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

We sure will (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) It'll be good to see you again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/jumpin.gif)

Can I play? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

yeah ... please do (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (worried about leaving anyone out now (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) ) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rockin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flute.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/violin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/woot.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/yay.gif)

[clarijo]

Fair enough, Dawn - sure we'll get an opportunity to chat and compare notes at the playday. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

We sure will (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) It'll be good to see you again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/jumpin.gif)

Can I play? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

Absolutely - the more the merrier! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

I'm going to enjoy following this thread as mouthpiece "shopping" is on my to do list as well.... whether it is actual shopping or just trying a lot out will depend on the sounds made .....

I've had my 5RV for around 20-25 years now I think. I still love the sound it makes but am wondering if it's time to try a new one as mine has some signs of wear around the tip and just occasionally I'm not getting what I want from my playing sound wise.

Reading a brochure recently it suggested trying the same model but brand new mouthpiece fairly frequently so that you could tell if yours was wearing out, had changed sound through use etc... So I'm going to start with this and experiment a bit.

I like the sound description of the Vandoren B40 dot, or maybe lyre mouthpiece. Have tried and not been too keen on the B45 previously but it was the profile 88 rather than traditional beak so could be worth another try. I'm open to suggestion on brand and model as I too find all the specs a bit confusing and rather daunting.

I use Woodwind Exchange in Bradford and the people there are very knowledgeable and able to advise. Incidently, they now also sell reeds at Reeds Direct Prices and if you are buying enough (in my case 10) you are able to mix and match ... I bought 10 Rue lepics but in different strengths 3 and 3.5.

Rather liking the strength of the 3.5s at present though they take a touch more blowing in.

A randomish thought ..... could be a silly one though .... Clarijo since you are fairly near me .... maybe we could look together and provide each other with a second opinion???? Though we may both have different "ears" and aims for the sound we are after .... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

I would definitely be up for a shopping trip and you are welcome to use my ears!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Having heard you play, I think we probably like a similar sound.

I would prefer to have some mouthpieces to try out and 'get to know' at home, rather than buying in a shop but that doesn't mean that I'm not interested in trying some out anyway! I am coming to York (sorry Barry - promise to get the form off this week!!) so perhaps we can sort something out then? As you know, I'm tied up during the week and now have band on Saturday mornings but that's only during term time.

I'm not ruling out Vandoren mouthpieces at all but there are some other makes which I'm also interested in at lieast considering - do they have quite a good selection at Woodwind Exchange? I'm not sure about Banks - get the impression that's it's quite limited. There's Scheerers in Leeds and a Dawsons has just opened too but again, I'm not sure what the selection will be like... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Louise (or indeed anyone else nearby!) are you interested in this too? Perhaps we could have a forum trip?!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

Yep might be very difficult to organise ..... Not sure what WWE have in stock but I'm headed there maybe at the weekend or the one after .... so I will ask. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I think maybe I'd like to whittle down the choice and then see about comparing a couple or so on approval
...... unless I decide to simply stick with the 5RV.

Tried the M something back when I got my clarinet think it was the 30 but could equally have been the 15. It was very similar to the 5RV and at that point I couldn't really tell the difference as the clari was so new anyway. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Saxophile: A number of books I've read recently say something along your lines ..... The Art of the Clarinet book by Keith Stein says something about this.

(I'm paraphrasing here) Advanced players can become fanatics about searching for the perfect mouthpiece and would do better to address their playing techniques. Conversely amateur players often do nothing towards improving their sound in this way.

Fair enough, Dawn - sure we'll get an opportunity to chat and compare notes at the playday. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

We sure will (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) It'll be good to see you again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/jumpin.gif)

You too - looking forward to it! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)