[CJ1972]

My first C melody is on its way as I write this. It needs a good clean and a repad. I already have an alto and tenor so this will be a bit different. Any suggestions for good reeds? (I use vandoren V16s on my tenor if that helps).

 

[click]

I have a martin C melody.

I use a Bb tenor reed whether I use a C mel or a Bb mpc with it.

(Ditto for my Conn NW II C mel.)


Is your alto and Bb tenor both martin also?

 

[bruce bailey]

It is best to spend a few $hundred on a modern C melody mouthpiece. I have a Morgan and it really opens the sound up. The old C mouthpieces are VERY stuffy. For a vintage C mouthpiece, a Bass Clarinet reed is the closest. You may need a #3 or stronger with the original mouthpiece.

 

[click]

It is best to spend a few $hundred on a modern C melody mouthpiece. I have a Morgan and it really opens the sound up. The old C mouthpieces are VERY stuffy. For a vintage C mouthpiece, a Bass Clarinet reed is the closest. You may need a #3 or stronger with the original mouthpiece.

I have kept one original C mel mpc.

I use it for xmas carols, and other quiet music in the parlor, with the piano.

As long as I play softly and do not try to push it, the results are very good.

I would agree completely that the Morgan is a splendid mpc for the horn.

However, if one has such an old original mpc with a decent facing,

it would be worth a try to see if it can be used in this way.

I have heard the C mel called a "parlor horn" and my old original mpc works well for that limited purpose.

I think the tip opening is very narrow --- around .060, perhaps.

The cheap plastic chinese C mel mpc I got was not bad, either.

In addition, the Bb metalite works pretty well when volume is wanted.

There are options besides the Morgan which can be used if money is short,

depending on need.

But the Morgan is really good.

These work well for me:
https://www.wwbw.com/Legere-Reeds-Bass-Clarinet-Reed-471558-471558000922000.wwbw

 

[CJ1972]

Thanks for the suggestions and information. How do bass clarinet reed strengths compare to sax reeds? I normally use a 3 V16 Vandoren on Tenor and 3.5 on Alto.

 

[bruce bailey]

They should be similar BUT those old mouthpieces are VERY closed.

 

[CJ1972]

They should be similar BUT those old mouthpieces are VERY closed.

Thanks, I plan to use the bass clarinet reed while I am testing and refurbing it and then invest in a Morgan mouthpiece once it's all set up.

 

[paulwl]

Some tenor pieces work well, but you must use a tuner to match the registers thruout the range.

I really enjoy my 52k Martin but the neck angle makes it somewhat tiring to play. The mouthpiece is angled down, so the bottom of the horn must be held well back at your side and you have to keep your left wrist bent back.

 

[CJ1972]

I have a martin C melody.

I use a Bb tenor reed whether I use a C mel or a Bb mpc with it.

(Ditto for my Conn NW II C mel.)

Is your alto and Bb tenor both martin also?

Sorry missed your question. Sadly they aren't Martin, the Alto is an Antigua which plays beautifully and the Tenor is an old Elkhart I got off a mate.

 

[bruce bailey]

Don't spend too much fixing that C Melody as even with new pads, not worth a whole lot.

 

[CJ1972]

Don't spend too much fixing that C Melody as even with new pads, not worth a whole lot.

I am not interested in the value, but even if I was it would be worth considerably more than it will owe me as I can do the repad myself.

 

[CJ1972]

Just had an update to say it’s now in the UK. Could be with me in a few days. I can’t wait.

 

[CJ1972]

It has arrived and I am pleased to say it’s much better than expected. Apart from a single pad (low B) they are all ok and seat well.It needs a full service but is otherwise fine. It has what I think is the original mouthpiece. I bought a bass clarinet reed after advice but it doesn’t sound great. A tenor reed is way too big but an alto one works perfectly. The mouthpiece is larger than my alto one (my alto mouthpiece doesn’t work that great on it). I am a bit surprised as the new C melody mouthpieces all use tenor reeds. Any one else using alto reeds?