Hi there. My teacher recommended that I get a vandoren 5RV lyre mouthpiece. I'm wondering if anyone could give me any insight as to the differences between the "traditional", "profile 88" and "13 series" and which one might be preferable. Thanks!
Hello, I use a 5RV Lyre traditional with my B-flat clarinet. You can find detailed information about the three different options at "www.vandoren.fr". Roughly the difference between traditional and profile 88 is that the latter resembles the saxophone mouthpieces shapewise not in actual size, which can be helpful to those who play both instruments. About series 13, Vandoren claims is built specially for american clarinets - A440 pitch. If you get the chance try them all, see what suits you better.
I recently switched to a M13-lyre 88 and was astounded how well it worked with my horns. I've let a couple of my private students try it and they were also amazed at the response and reeding. I get more reeds out of a box with this mpc that play great than with any other that I've tried. It's worth at least trying if you play an R13. Good luck!