What vandoren mouthpiece should i get for marching band?

Question

I have a plastic Yamaha that I march with, and I have the same mouthpiece that came with it. I want to improve my tone, but I cannot afford a new clarinet, so I've been told to get a Vandoren mouthpiece, ligature and reeds. The Vandoren Bb clarinet mouthpieces; however, come in different sizes styles. Most descriptions say that the mouthpiece is "great for symphonic orchestra" but I'm not sure what mouthpiece-ligature-reed combo I should use for marching band. My section leader reccomended Vandoren, but they are really expensive. If Vandorens are the only quality clarinet accessories, then I will buy them, but if there is another quality brand that makes good ligatures-reeds-mouthpieces that are maybe a little less expensive, I would like to know the brand and what combination i should use. I currently use a size 2.5 V-12 reed size, and I don't play too much in the hiest register.

Answer 1

There are numerous brands of mouthpieces.  The best way to determine which one is best for you is to go to a music store and try them out.  Don't buy one based on someone recommendation.  Just because it works for them doesn't mean that it will work for you.  It is however worth checking out.  Based on what you have described  I'd try the Premiere by Hite mouthpiece, which is reasonably priced, with a Ravnor ligature.  I've had great luck with this combination with many students.  Your choice however is going to be based on the selection you can try out.  Music stores can't carry everything and doing it online is messy with shipping costs.

Mouthpiece link:

http://www.wwbw.com/J-D-Hite-Premiere-Bb...

Ligature link:

http://www.wwbw.com/Rovner-L5-Light-Bb-C...