First: swabs
My section leader told me that the synthetic felt-like swab I use is not good for my wood clarinet. It leaves moisture inside my clarinet no matter how many times I pull the swab through. My instrument is looking kind of "washed out" at the joints in the inside, which I'm pretty sure has to do with sloppy care, and not enough cork-grease.
Is a silk swab the best thing for a wood clarinet, or is there something else better?
Now, the major question: Mouthpieces
Today, the cork fell off the bottom of my mouthpiece. I've been playing on the same Vito 2V Woodwind mouthpiece since 8th grade. I realize that I could just get it re-corked, but...Let's just say that getting it re-corked will cost me more than the mouthpiece itself did.
Now that I'm a junior in college and starting to actually care about my clarinet again (I have returned! From a 4 year lazy-playing haitus!)... I'm taking this as a sign that I move up in the world of mouthpieces. I'm willing to pay ~$120 for one, I just don't want to be smooth-talked by the salesman at the local music store. Which is why I'm asking all of you.
I play a Yamaha intermediate clarinet: wood body, nickel plated keys. The series number has rubbed off, so I can't tell you that. I fluctuate between a 3 and a 3.5 in Rico's Grand Concert Select reeds, and have one of those "fabric style" ligatures that only have one screw in the back.
What is the tonal/any difference between the Vandoren B40 & B45's? Aside from those, are there any other brands you can recommend/any other advice you feel like sharing
The B45 tends to be a tad rounder and fuller. A great choice. I would also take a look at Bay (a little more than you may want to spend, but one of the best I have ever played on.), and Selmer Crystal pieces. A really good idea would be to go to WWBW.COM, order a few, try them out, and return the ones that you don't want. Or do the same at a local music store.
Yes, your section leader is right; DO NOT USE the felt-like swabs that come with some clarinets. Throw them away when you first get them and use a decent swab.
Yes, silk swabs are much better for your clarinet. I believe they cost about 10-15 dollars (US) at a music store. Cloth swabs are also good, but I have heard the silk ones are better
i guess this isn't directly answering you question, more adding to it...
i am wondering about mouthpieces at the moment, thinking about trying a few wooden/crystal or just about any out, but i wanted to know some good brand+models to try out first, before i begin my quest.
At the moment i am using a Vandoren 5RV Lyre, and am going to test out a B45 soon..
Since i've heard a few good things about crystal mouthpieces i think one would be good except as i said, i need some model examples.
any help?
Ambrose.
p.s. what is a tuning barrel??
p.s. what type of material ligature is it? there are some really good leather ones around, but a new ligature could be good as well, you can get some nice silver-plated buffet's pretty cheap + The new vandoren lines are looking great!
searching...
I realize that I could just get it re-corked, but...Let's just say that getting it re-corked will cost me more than the mouthpiece itself did.
