Big difference with some of the mpcs, less so with others. It would have been helpful to know what the tip openings of each mpc was. As an aside I have 2 mpcs, a Yamaha 4C which I bought not long after I got the clarinet, and an old Noblet 2V which a forum member sent to me. The Yamaha is my preferred mpc, it has a darker, warmer tone than the Noblet, which seems very open. I don't know what tip opening it has but I imagine its quite big because I get a lot of air with it, and a brighter tone. My question is, Should a harder reed be used with a more open mpc? (I've been playing since 2017 and currently use a Légère 2.5 ec)

@ClarinetHQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment! I might need to go in and add the tip openings for each mouthpiece. There are other factors involved, but, in general, a wider tip opening needs a softer reed and a smaller tip opening a harder reed. That's because a softer reeds will move a greater distance when it vibrates, which helps it cover the bigger tip opening. If you use the same reed, it will feel harder on a wider tip opening and softer on a smaller tip opening. I hope that's helpful. Let me know if you have more questions. Maybe we'll make a video about it!

@LarryShone

3 жыл бұрын

@@ClarinetHQ I'm wondering where a Noblet 2V mpc sits on that scale. It seems very open, but with a soft reed its ridiculously airy

@ClarinetHQ

3 жыл бұрын

The Noblet 2V has a tip opening around 1.16mm, which is in the medium-open range. It is significantly wider than the Yamaha 4c (about 1.05mm), so a reed that works well with the Yamaha probably plays a little hard with the Noblet. That airy sound is probably happening because the reed isn't able to vibrate enough to create a good seal with the mouthpiece. You can try a little test: Move your reed down just a tiny bit on the Noblet (not too much). That'll make it play a little softer. It might not make a huge difference, but if it's a little easier to play and sounds better, then you know that mouthpiece requires a softer reed.

@LarryShone

3 жыл бұрын

@@ClarinetHQ I've tried it with a Plasticover 1.5 (far too soft but it was sent with it). I've also tried it with a Rico 2.5, Rico Royal 2 and 3, and Légère European cut 2.5. It plays better with a harder reed but its a much brighter tone

@ClarinetHQ

3 жыл бұрын

It can be frustrating to find the right fit. I wouldn't worry about it too much if you're getting started though. As you develop your embouchure, you'll get a better feel for what's comfortable and what gets you your ideal sound.