Compare your clarinet’s serial number to the list of Buffet Crampon serial numbers at Clarinetperfection.com to ascertain the year of manufacture. Clarinetperfection.com also has a...Small bore Selmer C85 Series mouthpieces are made for a new generation small bore clarinets like Recital, Signature, Omega Paris etc. These mouthpieces will play sharp in the throat tones on a Selmer CT. Any large bore mouthpiece is a better match for a Selmer "Centered Tone" than Selmer C85 Series mouthpiece.The Clarinet BBoard. I am researching the great clarinet pedagogue Keith Stein. I have read his book, The Art of Clarinet Playing, and it is wonderful! The only problem I'm having is finding biographical information. I do know that he graduated from the University of Michigan, taught at Michigan State University for 41 years, and taught at ...The hinges are good and solid, the hook is as good as I can find anywhere and more reliable over time than the Harrison latches (thin brass clips that fail eventually) and the "spring catches" that can also fail over time. My Clarinet/Bass Clarinet/Saxophone reed cases are not available from a dealer - just me.The serial number is a unique identifier that can help you determine the age and origin of your clarinet. It is typically located on the upper joint, near the thumb rest. Some manufacturers may also include the serial number on the bell or lower joint. To identify the manufacturer based on the serial number, you can consult online databases or ...One fun fact to consider is that all woodwinds (to my knowledge) operate on the left is top, right is bottom. So it would be a little strange if the clarinet was the only one in inversion. In my own playing I haven't noticed any significant advantages or struggles of playing the clarinet with a left hand dominance.A very uncommon type of clarinet is the Basset Clarinet. Basset clarinets feature extra keys so that lower notes can be played on a soprano-sized clarinet. The most common basset clarinet is in A, but there are also versions in C, Bb, and most rarely, G. You can also get Basset horns which are also considered clarinets. The Clarinet Composition/Composers Database. Discography (in progress) The Clarinet Bulletin Board. The Ethnic Clarinet Bulletin Board. The Oboe Bulletin Board. The Flute Bulletin Board. The Doublers Bulletin Board. The Fingering Bulletin Board (fingerings for wind instruments) The Keepers (Best of the BBoard) The Clarinet BBoard. Has anyone ever noticed how weaker players tend to be put on the second and third clarinet parts by band conductors in high school and non-music faculty bands? And then they are always telling the second and third clarinets to play out, or that those parts are weak.Join the ClarinetPages Forum to share your passion for clarinets and other woodwind instruments. Find information, advice, and videos on clarinet history, models, repair, and …It probably *is* the clarinet, but not because it's an E11 or that "a lot of people have trouble with going over the register on this clarinet." You've probably either developed a new major leak from a pad in the lower section or had a lot of small leaks gradually get worse until the cumulative effect is the same as a big leak.The time value of money is a finance concept used to value cash flows over different time periods. Receiving money in the present is more valuable than receiving money in the futur...The Yamaha A also tunes a bit better, not a lot. The upper register blends better with the flutes, oboes, french horns. These instruments tend to go a tad bit sharp up high, maybe 442, the R13's tend to drop say from 440 to 438. Not much really, but it is noticeable. The CSVR A clarinets hold the pitch at 440.Date: 2013-06-10 15:48. I've usually got a couple dozen at any given time. The current collection is as follows: Bb Clarinets: 2 x Selmer CT enhanced boehm (18/7) Selmer CT Omega enhanced boehm. Selmer RI enhanced boehm (metal) Selmer K-series (17/7) Leblanc Dynamique enhanced boehm.Author: Debbie Date: 1999-06-29 04:21 My personal experience with the Selmer "Signet" line of clarinets is that they are classified as intermediate-level instruments; the 3 basic models of "Signet" were, from "bottom to top" as it were - the "Signet 100" model= your basic intermediate clarinet; next level up, the "Signet Special"= basically the same as the "Signet 100", only with a better ...Modern clarinet playing is multi-dimensional and a good musician will use a palet of colors well suited to the music at hand, and varying constantly during the piece. For instance, one will oscillate between dark and brillant, will adjust the pitch to match the harmonic context, will extend his dynamic range upward and downward in subtle ...Originally published in The Clarinet 47/2 (March 2020). Printed copies of The Clarinet are available for ICA members. “International Spotlight” showcases perspectives from the global clarinet community.ATLANTA, April 7, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Team Novo Nordisk, the world's first all-diabetes professional cycling team, and Beyond Type 1, a glo... ATLANTA, April 7, 2020 /PRNews...LEO 102. For free blowing. Completely different from the 101, this mouthpieces features wide side rails with a medium-closed tip opening. The wide rails give the reed more maneuverability when setting it on the mouthpiece. It works best when paired with Medium to Hard reeds. Difference of rails and openings between 101 and 102 mouthpieces.2. Pascual Martínez Forteza: Acting Associate Principal: University of Southern California. Boston Symphony Orchestra. 3. William R. Hudgins: Principal …Players want the 1960's vintage era Buffet clarinet sound. Well Yamaha is really close is some ways if not dead on with the CSG111's, the German horns, but these old Buffet 1960s had their issues. They are surely overrated. Finding a great 1960's horn was and is pretty hard, so I really like how close the CSVR's are.The serial number is a unique identifier that can help you determine the age and origin of your clarinet. It is typically located on the upper joint, near the thumb rest. Some manufacturers may also include the serial number on the bell or lower joint. To identify the manufacturer based on the serial number, you can consult online databases or ...Date: 2007-09-21 17:47. Forget clarinet in marching band. If you're in marching band because it's mandatory, then be the drum major, or a baton twirler, or wave a flag, or schlep the equipment, or something like that. Alternatively: marching band would be a good way to start on saxophone. Reply To Message.The Clarinet BBoard is down? Jump to Latest Follow 1K views 25 replies 12 participants last post by stevesklar Dec 8, 2023. KennyZ Discussion starter 2249 posts · Joined 2006 Add to quote; Only show this user #1 · Dec 3, 2023. Tried several times to open it but it does not work . Don't play everything you know on every solo ...Author: NBeaty. Date: 2011-02-01 22:02. What he is referring to is the length of the facing, not symmetry. M13 (and M13 lyre) are both generally long facings and close tip openings. The 5RV is more open and a bit shorter. Many consider the 5RV (and lyre) to be easier to control and more stable than the M series mouthpieces, especially for young ...The Mouthpiece is a stamped 926 mouthpiece and again in very good conditions. The case is old, and possibly original, it still functions well and comes with keys for the locks. The clarinet bears two Boosey and Hawkes ‘Imperial’ stamps. The body and bell are not stamped with a 926 stamp. B&H experts have confirmed that up to the early 50's ...Author: JMason Date: 2019-02-20 07:15 I have the barrel you are asking about. This is from another post about tuning problems: I am 66 years old and I play in two different venues;church where the piano is tuned to 440 and most of the time feels like 50 degrees; second a jazz band where the sax player always plays sharp 442 or 443 and won't change so everyone else just tunes to what he is ...The clarinet also comes with its own mouthpiece and two reeds, so you will be able to play as soon as the instrument comes out of the box. As well as this, there is a screwdriver, polishing cloth and cork grease therefore allowing for easy maintenance. Specifications. Finish: Solid Ebony Body.The other Uebel clarinet that comes in Bb and A, is the Advantage, which is a little more free blowing than the Superior but also slightly less German in sound. There is a Superior Eb clarinet that is about to be released, but we don't have an exact release date from the manufacturer quite yet.Clarinet Herche Superior Bb Clarinet X3 - Professional Grade Musical Instruments for All Levels - Service Plan - Educator Approved and Recommended 4.2 out of 5 stars 63 1 offer from $359.00These notes can be difficult to play with a clear, centered sound due to the complex harmonic structure of the clarinet's sound waves. By using resonance fingerings, the player can eliminate certain overtones and emphasize others, resulting in a more focused sound. One common resonance fingering on the clarinet is the "throat tone" fingering. The Clarinet BBoard. I just read a posting by Ben Redwine on Facebook that Omar Henderson, PhD has passed. "The Doctor" innovated many unique products for the clarinet, including a natural cork grease, a granadilla bore oil, and specially shaped silk swabs ("available in any color you choose, as long as it is black"), and many other items. Clarinet - Practical Grades. Practical Grades are face-to-face exams that focus on all-round musical knowledge and skills, including performance. Exams are available at Grades 1 to 8. In the exam you perform three pieces, play scales and arpeggios and take sight-reading and aural tests. About Practical Grades.Author: vintschevski. Date: 2022-04-22 08:51. Attachment: Old Buffet serial number.jpg (92k) By the way, the logo appears in other spots on the clarinet, not just on the bell. The serial number is 5417, which according to one serial number list that I have seen means that the clarinet is from 1931. Reply To Message.The Clarinet BBoard. What do you all think about conn clarinets. Especially the older vintage ones. Conn clarinets, unlike the saxophones, were never anything special. The student line (Pan American) had poor intonation and their top of the line instruments were mediocre. However they had a nice big, rich sound and a good player could control ...Date: 2004-09-30 15:08. Screw fabrication shouldn't cost more than $20. Max bench time is 30 minutes. A good machine shop could build one of these, too. Re: Leblanc Opus II. Author: Brenda Siewert. Date: 2004-09-30 15:59. I agree about the Opus, William.The Yamaha A also tunes a bit better, not a lot. The upper register blends better with the flutes, oboes, french horns. These instruments tend to go a tad bit sharp up high, maybe 442, the R13's tend to drop say from 440 to 438. Not much really, but it is noticeable. The CSVR A clarinets hold the pitch at 440.It's got a bunch of problems and bass clarinet isn't my primary instrument. I would have waited a bit to see if Quinn had something a bit better. I also know that Kessler Music has a decent new bass clarinet that has range to low C and costs $2K. Yes, I'm the Artist Formerly Known as Saxpics.Small bore Selmer C85 Series mouthpieces are made for a new generation small bore clarinets like Recital, Signature, Omega Paris etc. These mouthpieces will play sharp in the throat tones on a Selmer CT. Any large bore mouthpiece is a better match for a Selmer "Centered Tone" than Selmer C85 Series mouthpiece.Podcast Interview with Hachig Kazarian - Armenian-American Clarinet Player new: yousufIbarra : 1 : 2019-09-07 14:46 clarinet barrel mics new: gregsquared : 58 : 2019-09-07 14:39 Zydeco charts new: mmatisoff : 0 : 2019-04-18 03:40 Looking for a new or used amati G clarinet new: nadege : 0 : 2017-12-26 03:36 Kohlert Clarinet new:Hence I see easy access, diagrammatic guides to clarinet nomenclature on the forum, as offering a great aid , both before posing a question and then in the matter of understanding the responses. Like I said at the beginning.... Just things I'd like to see . Julian Griffiths Tel. 34 696 798 853Date: 2022-11-29 11:25. While it’s great that most USA orchestras use the curtain (blind auditions) for all rounds now, there is a catch that really makes it not a fair fight. Experience is important, of course, so many players are invited to start in either the semifinals or sometimes the final rounds.Date: 2001-08-04 01:00. Greenline Formula - Start with grenadilla wood that would probably not be suitable for normal clarinet manufacture (length, diameter, flaws, etc.). Grind it up into a powder and mix it with a resin (think "glue"). Form the mixture into billets of proper size to make clarinets, and then do so.The best A clarinet I have ever played was a 104,xxx instrument that a student has. It played like a Bb clarinet and just didn't spread like most A clarinets tend to. My 134,xxx A clarinet is almost as good, but that old 104,xxx is special. Resonance without effort.But in short, if you have a decent four-voice harmonization, make the soprano voice the clarinet. Your soprano line will most likely be in regularized quarter-notes or half-notes, which means you'll need to elaborate or ornament it to make a solo-type melody (I mean add passing tones, arpeggiations, different rhythms, etc.).Find fingering charts for Boehm-, Albert-, and Oehler-system clarinets and Kinderklarinettes in this comprehensive guide. Learn the fingerings for trills, multiphonics, and other …(Really!) They might still have a limited-run of a wonderful discontinued clarinet available (Speranza) - a real pro horn going for $750 - brand spanking new! I own and play top-of-the-line Buffet, Selmer, Leblanc, and Yamaha Clarinets, and recently added a Ridenour Libertas Clarinet. That horn is a wonderful clarinet! Ken Jarczyk Woodwinds ...The Ethnic Clarinet Bulletin Board The Oboe Bulletin Board The Flute Bulletin Board The Doublers Bulletin Board The Fingering Bulletin Board (fingerings for wind instruments) The Keepers (Best of the BBoard) Look for: - Unique threads only (keywords may appear in other postings within these threads) Sort by : Search Woodwind.Org: Woodwind.Org ...The Clarinet BBoard. I recently sent two selmer mouthpieces to Brad Behn to be refaced. One was an HS*, the other an "S"=both mouthpieces had facings on the table in an oval. Both sound very good, but I prefer the "S" mouthpiece to the HS*. I have heard and read that the HS* is a fine mouthpiece, and a mouthpiece that many who do custom ...Wobby8288. 7. 2023-02-02 04:58. Shrek the musical new. timw. 3. 2022-12-10 00:11. Picking a secondary instrument new. William R.The Clarinet BBoard. Although it's late afternoon in my playing career I've decided that I'd like to play on something other than my Yamaha 221 and step up to a "professional" horn — without spending $10,000 or more. My idea is to find an old Selmer Low Eb bass and have it brought up to acceptable playing condition.The Clarinet BBoard. Noticed some weird keys on Selmer Centered Tones, what was the purpose and the effect. It's a "full boehm" clarinet. These aren't very popular these days. These links might help you: That's not a full Boehm as full Boehms (Selmer's model 808 or with N.8 spec keywork) have 20 keys and 7 rings with the range to low Eb (see ...Browse All Sheet Music. Download sheet music for Jazz. Choose from Jazz sheet music for such popular songs as I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover - Bb Instrument, Take Five - Bb Instrument, and Cantina Band - Clarinet. Print instantly, or sync to our free PC, web and mobile apps.The smartphone revolution has already largely taken place, and Google is doing fine. One of the questions as mobile internet usage started to grow was whether the advertising reven...2. Pascual Martínez Forteza: Acting Associate Principal: University of Southern California. Boston Symphony Orchestra. 3. William R. Hudgins: Principal Clarinet: Boston University School for the Arts. 4. Thomas Martin: Associate Principal Clarinet and E Flat: Eastman School of Music. Philadelphia Orchestra.Date: 2012-11-27 14:47. The most open clarinets I've played are the selmers 9 and 10 series. If you don't mind a used one the 10G is very open. If $ isn't an issue check out the new Selmers. They run around $2500 and up. The series 10's, mainly the 10G can be found on ebay for $500 to $700 or so.Join the ClarinetPages Forum to share your passion for clarinets and other woodwind instruments. Find information, advice, and videos on clarinet history, models, repair, and more.This clarinet might very well be worth fixing up. The Carl Fischer company did not actually make instruments, they contracted with several clarinet makers over the years to stencil them with the Carl Fischer name. Some of them were very good horns indeed. Depending on the details of the business arrangement, the makers name was sometimes on the ...Also keep in mind the following items: 1) Buffet is a clarinet designer not a mouthpiece designer. 2) Advanced and pro players are going to pick a mouthpiece that suits them and that will differe from player to player so there is little point in putting a good mouthpiece in it that in the end the purchaser will discard.I need HELP! If you're interested in adding to this collection of information, including any aspect of clarinet pedagogy, equipment, hints, tips, techniques, and traps, please mail me at [email protected] The information presented here is a compilation of discussion and suggestions from the subscribers of the KLARINET mailing list along with links to other …The Yamaha A also tunes a bit better, not a lot. The upper register blends better with the flutes, oboes, french horns. These instruments tend to go a tad bit sharp up high, maybe 442, the R13's tend to drop say from 440 to 438. Not much really, but it is noticeable. The CSVR A clarinets hold the pitch at 440.The Clarinet BBoard. Drawbacks of an articulated C#/G# on bass? An articulated C#/G# mechanism allows for a clean B-C#/F#-G# trill, but doesn't allow for altissimo fingerings with the C#/G#-key kept open while a r.h. ring-key is depressed (since the latter forces the former to close). Thus altissimo "long F" will not work, as well as some ...Date: 2022-11-29 11:25. While it’s great that most USA orchestras use the curtain (blind auditions) for all rounds now, there is a catch that really makes it not a fair fight. Experience is important, of course, so many players are invited to start in either the semifinals or sometimes the final rounds. For a bass clarinet, the $3000 or whatever that Tom's cost is very inexpensive. It is possible to try his clarinets in Europe, you just have to be willing to lose the shipping and/or tax for the trial. Of course, all of this depends on how serious you are about playing the instrument. 51. 2024-04-25 17:51. Rampone clarinet in C fingering new. Feliped80. 6. 2024-04-25 03:17. Legere French Cut Thoughts/Impression new. ClarinetRobt. 5.Hi m1964, I am interested to check out this model because I was impressed by the Ripamusic bass clarinet when I tried out once before. The intonation was good, but only the lower register keys are heavy. As it looks quite different from the commonly found Chinese bass clarinet, I thought they really made their products.No advertising of events. Those belong in the Announcements section. Send mail to [email protected] 2-3 weeks minimum before the event. I only update weekly. No mentioning of sales or offers to buy are allowed on the BBoards. Use the Classifieds. You are of course free to email privately.The Clarinet BBoard Avail. Forums | Need a Login? Register Here : User Login: User Name: Password: Remember my login: ... The Clarinet Pages. For Sale Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - … Date: 2016-02-22 19:13. In terms of hierarchy, I compare Buffet and Yamaha clarinets like this: Buffet - Yamaha. B12 - YCL-255. E11 - YCL-450. E13/C12 - YCL-650. R13/RC - YCL-CXII. The 650 is definitely in a league above the E11 as the E11 is an entry level wooden clarinet. Small bore Selmer C85 Series mouthpieces are made for a new generation small bore clarinets like Recital, Signature, Omega Paris etc. These mouthpieces will play sharp in the throat tones on a Selmer CT. Any large bore mouthpiece is a better match for a Selmer "Centered Tone" than Selmer C85 Series mouthpiece.The Clarinet BBoard. It's a rare confession from a Buffet person (although I do not consider myself a Buffet "Mafia" person), but I've gone back to Leblanc Opus after a number of years (about 5) of playing Buffets. I'm holding a new Opus II in my lap as I write (carefully, of course) and am very impressed with its tone and intonation, etc.Join the discussion on The Clarinet BBoard, a forum for clarinetists, teachers, and technicians. Share your tips, questions, and experiences on clarinet playing, …Yep, it's called a Plateau Clarinet, and they used to be much more common. Now only one or two manufacturers in the world make them. And I've got two of 'em ...Author: maxopf Date: 2015-03-01 06:36 I tried one last weekend at CASMEC, which was taking place alongside the CA all-state ensembles. I had just tried one of the other models (can't remember which - low F correction key and side Eb lever), and the person managing the Yamaha booth urged me to try out the CSVR, saying that they were excited to be introducing it.Well-designed. Cons. A bit pricey for beginners. 2. Yamaha YCL-255 Beginner Clarinet. If you're a beginner and the previous Yamaha model has intimidated you a little, we have a perfect clarinet for you. The Yamaha YCL-255 is one of the best clarinets for beginners and intermediate students.I don't think so. I could tell a different resonance back when I played regularly. (Just picked up a new Ridenour clarinet last month to get back into it!) I wish I could find the older Rovner Eddie Daniels II ligature. I REALLY liked that one back then! I have a Rovner Versa with the different plates, but I liked the little plastic ribs on the ...The Clarinet BBoard New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In Newer Topic | ... Date: 2017-08-30 00:56 Clarinet music by this still active composer deserves more attention from players looking for something modern but accessible. Delanoff was a professional clarinetist in orchestras in Munich, Germany ...The Clarinet BBoard. I have a Selmer A clarinet with a 3xxx serial #--"Brevete SGDG" stamped on the top joint--means patent pending, more or less--and made in the 1930s or so. Great sound, wood in good shape--BUT the ring keys on both joints are totally worn, makes playing a chore, and it's become clear that getting spare parts is hopeless.Date: 2009-10-23 23:39. Ed: the system known as "simple system" is in fact an early Albert design, an improvement on the earlier 13-key clarinets that were descendants of the Muller clarinet. A true 'simple system' has the patent Csharp key. Albert then went on to improve the original "simple system" primarily by adding the Barret action (two ...However, STEUER's cane is extremely tough (STEUER's 3.0:equivalent to 3.5~4.0 for VD) and consistent in quality compared with VD's brands and vibrates the whole part, not the vamp only. So, in a nutshell, we need to find the reed which vibrates entirely and freely at the entire region to meet Selmer's MCs' best.Author: Tom H Date: 2022-10-25 01:30 I tried it and found that it seems best to start with the "covered" F. Seems there is more than one way but regardless you end up on the Bb with either just 2nd & 3rd LH fingers (no thumb) or just the 2nd (middle) finger.John, For information regarding bore sizes, try the following: <[email protected]>. The site "Clarinet Perfection" should come up. At the top, click on "Technical Information". In the drop-down box click on "Bore Sizes". BTW, there's lots of other interesting stuff on this site.
Slight side note - the YCL-64 introduced in the '90s was a new model introduced to fill a gap in their lineup which sat in between the 34II and CX models and was in the same price range as the Buffet E13, Leblanc Esprit and Selmer Prologue. It became the YCL-650 (Bb) and for a short while, the YCL-650-A A clarinet which has been discontinued.. Yungllamacita leaked
The best A clarinet I have ever played was a 104,xxx instrument that a student has. It played like a Bb clarinet and just didn't spread like most A clarinets tend to. My 134,xxx A clarinet is almost as good, but that old 104,xxx is special. Resonance without effort.The article about bass clarinet appeared in "The Clarinet" in 1983. My co-author was Thomas Aber from Kansas. We both sudied in the Hague 1981-82, and the article is a sum-up of all the collective experience of the several students of Harry Sparnaay from all over the world. The article about contrabass clarinet appeared in "The Clarinet"I used a Legere Signature European Cut synthetic clarinet reed in 3.5 and a Behn Aria reed in 3.5. The R is as expected, wonderfully compact and focused, with really easy articulation. I felt that the "hold" for the tonal range of this mouthpiece is fairly easy to achieve, and it feels good leaping through different registers while maintaining ...Since the price being quoted was $1795 (full retail), less a $300 rental credit, we are now talking serious money (smile). This clarinet is apparently, according to the (IMO not-very helpful) Accent website, made of grenadilla wood with undercut tone holes, both of which I understand are indicia of a quality instrument.The Clarinet BBoard. From my last post about the barrel for my Full Boehm I'll quickly sum up whats going on. I picked a 17/6 U99XX series 10 on Ebay for a decent if not great price. Now with the 'B' barrel on my Full Boehm X6295, …Author: LarryBocaner ★ 2017. Date: 2005-09-15 19:53. When the NHK Symphony from Tokyo played a concert at the Kennedy Center a number of years ago I went backstage afterwards to talk to the clarinet players. When I asked the bass clarinetist what make instrument he played, he responded "French made--Rubrock."Author: tim Date: 2003-02-15 16:03 I have recentely ( 3 weeks now)started playing after a 30 year "break" I played in the Highschool band in 1973.Date: 2008-02-29 21:23. Get into the habit of swabbing the bore--bell to barrel--from the start as well as drying the tendon sockets after each playing. Never put it away without cleaning no matter how short for time you may be. Your clarinet should be good to go from the first case opening--play at will and enjoy.Bb Clarinet backup = another "T" facing but with a longer lay (more of a European style setup) and a 3 3/4 Signature Legere reed. Bass Clarinet = Vandoren B45 (an old mouthpiece) with a Legere 2 1/2. Bb Contra-Bass Clarinet = a no name mouthpiece with a Legere 2 1/2. Let me say one final comment about your selected reed strength.I was buffing this customer clarinet - A c.1900 'Bay State' Albert system in C - when I noticed I'd gone through a layer of black tinting (most likely a colored vanish or shellac) to a lighter color underneath. ... I found an interesting conversation about this topic on the Clarinet BBoard: ... The Clarinet BBoard. My band director finally got some mouthpieces for us to try! Over the next few days i will be posting my impressions of the three mouthpieces i will be trying, a Vandoren b40 lyre 13 series, an m30 13 series and a b45 13 series and comparing them to my 5rv lyre and b45. 8. DAddario Woodwinds Bb-Clarinet Reserve Evo 10E M. $134. Compare. 1. Wurlitzer Bb- Clarinet F 3WZ. $199. Compare. Mouthpiece for Bb Clarinet For French reeds, Boehm wide bore (15 mm), Facing length: 22 mm, Tip opening: 1.15 mm, For wooden reeds, Recommended reeds: D'Addario, Leuthner french, Pilgerstorfer french, Vandoren V12.Also keep in mind the following items: 1) Buffet is a clarinet designer not a mouthpiece designer. 2) Advanced and pro players are going to pick a mouthpiece that suits them and that will differe from player to player so there is little point in putting a good mouthpiece in it that in the end the purchaser will discard.An instrument of this age, however, may be "high pitch"; this means it is something like A=452, nearly half a semitone higher than modern pitch. If the note you get is halfway between E and F on the piano, then probably this is a high-pitch A clarinet. (Some people on this BBoard use "high pitch" to mean an instrument built to A=442.The bell was made often from this material because of it's high damping coefficient near to wood and it's resistance against damage. The second the material is easy to form and cheap. The influence of bell material is less than 1 or 2% of all sound capabilities. It's not mandatory to do the bell from wood...It probably *is* the clarinet, but not because it's an E11 or that "a lot of people have trouble with going over the register on this clarinet." You've probably either developed a new major leak from a pad in the lower section or had a lot of small leaks gradually get worse until the cumulative effect is the same as a big leak..