Right now I`m using a Rovner ligature on my Selmer clarinet. The sound has improved sooo much! I`m now thinking about replacing the plastic mouthpiece that came with my clarinet. Which ones are good? I don`t want a plastic one because I`ve heard they sound cheap. Maybe hard rubber? I want something that will help with playing high notes.

Thanks for any advice!!!

hmm, i don`t really know that much, but my band director gave me a vandoren and it was like breathing for the first time...i think they`re worth checking out

Ashley, the mouthpiece is more integral to the sound than a ligature but other factors are also important ie. reed choice for the specific mouthpiece. Some reeds work better on particular mouthpieces than others. My mouthpiece is clear acrylic with a open facing which requires a mid to quite firm reed, so any mouthpiece will sound cheap with the wrong or unadjusted reed.

My suggestion is to try out as many mid to high range mouthpieces and find what makes the best sound for you ie. Vandoren, pro Yamahas, Selmer (which could be good for your clarinet), Pomarico (although they are VERY expensive) etc are all worth a try.

The ligature can help though, depending on where it grips the reed coz it could stop vibrations - also watch out that it doesn`t scratch the mouthpiece too much.

HEY, why not try a Bonade mouthpiece? About the reeds, try Glotin Gaia cut or Grand Concert by Rico. The Bonade is a leblanc mouthpiece ligature with a metal plate in the center. That`s what my teacher from the symphony suggested.

If you are going to try Grand Concert reeds, try the Evolutions- compared to the ordinary Select, they have a darker tone, more even response, are more reliable on the high notes, and taste better .

or you could try the new vandoren rue 56 reed or whatever its called

i like grand concert select thick!

Ashley, you are on agreat start with the selmer clarinet and rovner ligature, however you might want consider purchasing a Lubyen ligature for your mouthpiece.
Iknow a lot pf people at my school who have trouble playing the high notes. It is not the mouthpiece orligature that helps produce high notes, it is your embrochure and the air you support it with. remember to loosen your embrochure when playing low notes and to tighten your embrochure when playing high notes.

I don`t know how many times I`m going to have to tell people this, but here goes again
DO. NOT. TIGHTEN. YOUR. EMBOUCHURE. ON. THE. HIGH. NOTES. YOU. WILL. ONLY. GET. A. PINCHED. SOUND.
The things you need for high notes are
1. Faster air, good support, more air pressure
2. A slightly higher tongue position.
You should be relying on your air, not your embouchure. All the changes should be happening INSIDE YOUR MOUTH.

I agree, Rachel. There is no reason to change your embouchure. By all means, change your throat, tongue position but embouchure should stay firm and still all the time. Too many people make the mistake of changing embouchure when it gets higher and you`re more likely to squeak. I find that the higher I get, the more arched my tongue gets to the roof of my mouth and the more open the throat. That way the sound is clear and round, not squeaky and piccolo-like.

I use the new vandoren V-12 reeds. in a 3 1/2 it hink they are worth the extra 10 dollars. you get a way better tone and you get alot more working reeds out of the box.

-Kyle