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
Thanks! <3
