I'm currently studying in music university in Malaysia, which is actually foundation in music. I'm using Yamaha YCL-650 Bb Clarinet and Yamaha 6c mouthpiece with Rovner Eddie Daniels II ligature and Vandoren Classic strengh 3 reeds. I was thinking of going to Singapore this sem break to get myself a new stuff... wondering anyone have any "compilation" to recommend? I like round and brighter tone actually, instead of dark tones. I was thinking Buffet R13 and a Vandoren B40lyre, wonder anyone using this set of equipments? How does it feel?

I use a Buffet R13/Vandoren B45 combination, and this gives a fairly bright sound that I like - but the only way you're going to find out what's best for you is to try lots of clarinets, and lots of mouthpieces - what suits me may not suit you.

Oh~ actually I've thinked of B45 before, but my teacher in singapore says that B40 lyre is more comfortable in playing. Maybe I should try out those two mouthpiece, what reeds you used for? I loved R13, and TOSCA.. but it's a sky high price.

I use standard (blue box) Vandoren strength 3s.

OO~ Same here~ Wonder anyone know other nice brands of clarinet mouthpiece? I just found out Richard Hawkins and Behn Vintage... Dunno are they nice,,.,

Unless you have money to burn I'd try one thing at a time. The 650 is a nice clarinet though whilst they have improved massively over the last 10 years the Yamaha mouthpieces are not the best.

I would initially just change the mouthpiece and give a bit of time to get used to it. My preference in the Vandoren range is the B45. I think the B40 is a little easier to play but gave less flexibility of tone. That is just my experience, your teeth/mouth/technique will be very different to mine, you have to experiment.

I currently play on a Weinberg mouthpiece but I don't think they are available where you are. I haven't really tried many other makes so can't advise on hte others you mention.

Never realised yamaha 650 are so nice... haha... but since my tutor asked me to try other clarinets maybe I'll just go and test them out... haha

Why not test new mouthpieces with old clarinet. I use vandoren 5RV and prefer it to B45 in many ways but it is all down to the individual. I now have Buffet E13 clarinet but used to play my student model (20 years old at least) with Vandoren 5RV mouthpiece and wasn't at all bad. Where i got my clarinet from there were expert clarinet advisers as he plays himself and whilst all down to personal preference he did say to me that out of the 3 I was looking at Leblanc Esprit, Buffet E13 and Yamaha 650 he thought the best tone laid in the french camp.


Then, if you feel you still need improvement try different clarinets with your favourite mouthpiece. That way you'll really notice a difference and it costs nothing to try and there's no obligation to buy anything. At least then you'd know what you thought. I asked similar questions earlier in the year and though having support and encouragement to upgrade plus confimation that my choice of instrument was a good one was great. The only way I could really know what to do was to try things for myself.

All the best deciding what to do.