Bay Mouthpieces for Bass Clarinet

[woodwindmaster06]

Has anyone here tried these? Bay Bass Clarinet Mouthpieces, I am looking for a new bass clarinet mouthpiece.

[AMASAX]

go here:

http://saxontheweb.myforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=4624

[MojoBari]

I play one most of the time on Bass Clar. Tough to beat for doubling, or otherwise.

[mike]

Ok. So should I post here or in the previous thread (started by the same guy)?

Putting that aside, what are you looking for in a bass clarinet piece? What sort of piece are you playing on now?

I've played on a Bay (MO+M) for several years. I bought one directly from Bay (nightmare scenario --- he sent me about $1000 worth of stuff and I wanted to keep all of it but only had cash enough for one piece.) I've since picked up anther very similar piece (same facing) from someone on the web. Before that, I used a piece made by Roger Garrett.

The Bay pieces that I've tried (That would be 4 MO+M's and 2 O+L's) all played quite well. Most importantly (to me) is they played evenly across the break. I've got a number of old pieces that either play well in one register or the other but not both. Bay tends to favor pieces that are more open than on the average and recommends you use a softer reed. I think his pieces tend to play on the bright side, though this can be controlled somewhat by choice of reed and embouchure. I liked the shorter lays (MO+M) as I couldn't center and focus the O+L's as well.

When I got the Bay, I was originally going to use it for Big band and other jazz settings and use the Garrett for classical. The Garrett also plays well, but is darker (and more resistant) than the Bay. If you're a clarinet player and like a lot of resistance from your setup, you might prefer the Garrett. I think a lot of us sax players like the Bay's because they are free blowing. However, as I just don't have as much time as I would like to spend behind the BC, I pretty much use the Bay all the time.

So I think the Bay's are great pieces. And they are priced accordingly. The Garrett is also a great piece and is reasonably priced.Great bang for the buck.

[Bootman]

Also have a look at Pillinger mpcs too. Ed can make you a mpc to your specs. www.pillingermouthpieces.co.uk

[mike]

I was originally going to say that if you buy pieces from any of the folks that play bass clarinet professionally (Fobe, Garrett, Grabner, etc.) you will most likely get a piece that has been play tested. You are most likely going to receive a piece that has good intontaion, plays well in both registers and across the break. It might not be exactly what you are after, but it should be a good place to start.

So if you don't like the Selmer C*'s or the Vandoren B40's, don't despair. There are some good pieces out there...