Which clarinet mouthpiece?

[Vortex]

I've narrowed it down to these three:

-Ignatius Gennusa Excellente
-Portnoy BP01
-Vandoren Profile 88 M15

I'm looking for a good (dark) tone with nice warmth and colour, as well as a quick response as I'll be using it on a student clarinet and I need to compensate for this. I'm going to use it with an inverted Bonade ligature and either Vandoren Trads/V12's or Alexander Classiques. I've got a reasonable amount of skill at clarinet, just need to upgrade to a better mouthpiece setup. Any suggestions?

-VTX

[Roger Aldridge]

Sorry, can't help you with the three mouthpieces you listed.

If it's any help, I get a beautiful dark, warm, and vibrant tone (lots of overtone color) with a Morgan RM15. I'm convinced that the special hard rubber formula that Ralph uses makes a difference in my sound. Also, his chamber design is different from most currently produced clarinet mouthpieces. It's an A-shaped chamber that, according to Ralph, is around 30% larger. I can't help but think that this helps to produce a richer sound. Anyway, it works for me.

In working with Morgan RM15, RM28, and J5 clarinet mouthpieces my overall favorite is the RM15. It has the most vibrant sound. It's also the one that Ralph recommended to me. I wish that I had this clarinet mouthpiece 30 years ago!!!

Good luck in your search!

[Vortex]

I've been looking at the Morgans lately as well. I've often considered trying them out, but I'm on a budget and they're a little pricier than I'm willing to shell out. A few weeks ago I went on a reed-trying spree after a reed died on me in the middle of a critical performance, so my funds are kinda low. Once I save up again I might check them out though, I've got a thing for hand-finished m-pieces.

[Nefertiti]

Try a Eddie Daniels piece. It's the best piece I've played on clarinet for a dark focused sound and eveness throughout the range. I tried the Morgans and found them a tad brighter and not as even from note to note but they were louder.

[David Spiegelthal]

BRAG TIME!......My refaced clarinet mouthpieces are the best. The heck with false modesty. Check the www.woodwind.org/clarinet/ website for testimonials.
Dave Spiegelthal
Calverton, VA

[Anji]

I have a few of Dave's pieces, and they're excellent.

Buying from him offers you a chance to try on several types for 'fit'.

If you're interested in machine made pieces, try the Vandoren M30.

It's not bad for $55 USD!

[UNTplayer]

I use a Vandoren M30 for classical work and love it.
Custom refacing a mouthpiece can make a world of a difference. My jazz mp was modified by Tom Ridenour to be loud. I've never dealt with Dave, but I've heard many good things about his work.

[RS]

A good dark sounding piece is the Borbeck. Dark rich tone and good response. But I like a little more edge so I use a Morgan jazz model. One of Ralph's darker sounding models would probably give you what you want.

[Wicked Good]

I've been playing on a David Hite Signature mouthpiece for about 20 years. It's got a really dark, full, round tone that suits me for most classical/symphonic/chamber music situations on my Buffets. It also really improves the sound of my old plastic Vito for community band, big band and show pit gigs.

I don't think Hite sells the Signature anymore, but rather the newer Artist series. WWBW has them for under $75 in a few different facings.

[MM]

Fred Rast makes a handmade model that's very responsive, reed-friendly yet gives a good legit sound. Lately I've been using a Morgan RM-10 which can go both ways for show work. Do a google search for Fred's Web site. The Clark Fobes Nova is a nice legit piece, but pretty close and dark in timbre.

[tubbycub]

I need a clarinet mouthpiece that can produce a nice tone, fast response and yet allows me to play very LOUD (loud enough to cut through the sax section). Any recommendations?

[MM]

I'd say the Morgan qualifies. In general to really cut you'll need to be playing higher than the saxes, which is usually the case in a swing band orchestration.

[tubbycub]

I'd say the Morgan qualifies. In general to really cut you'll need to be playing higher than the saxes, which is usually the case in a swing band orchestration.

Hi MM, which Morgan model? RM15?

[MM]

I like the RM10 personally. Others like the RM15 more. I sold my RM15. Volume was easier on the RM15 but I found intonation to be more effort and the high notes didn't speak as easily.