Bundy BCL-300 Student Clarinet Outfit

Woodwinds


Bundy BCL-300 Student Clarinet Outfit
Item Number: 764939 | Model: WWC-BD41NK

The Bundy BCL-300 clarinet is the perfect choice for beginning players. The ABS resin body has a tone ... [more]

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Bundy BTS-300 Student Tenor Saxophone Outfit

Woodwinds


Bundy BTS-300 Student Tenor Saxophone Outfit
Item Number: 764941 | Model: WWXBD52LN

The Bundy BTS-300 Tenor Saxophone is an excellent start for any beginner player. It uses quality pads ... [more]

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Bundy BPC-300 Piccolo Outfit

Woodwinds


Bundy BPC-300 Piccolo Outfit
Item Number: 764937 | Model: WWP-BD11SL

The Bundy BPC-300 piccolo is a versatile instrument. Its silver-plated headjoint will give you the projection ... [more]

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Giardinelli GFL312 Student Flute

Our Price: $296.00
List Price: $755.00
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The Giardinelli GFL312 Student Flute by Gemeinhardt represents a partnership with one of the greatest names in flutes.Kurt Gemeinhardts great grandfather was a flute maker, as were his grandfather and his father. A master designer and flute maker himself, Gemeinhardt spent years custom-building some of the worlds most sought-after flutes and finally emigrated from Switzerland to Elkhart, Indiana, where he designed flutes for twenty years before opening his own factory.In the ensuing half-century, Gemeinhardt has become the worlds largest and best-respected exclusive maker of flutes and piccolos. Over the past several decades, we at Giardinelli have come to rely on Gemeinhardt flutes for their extreme reliability, consistency, great tone, and playability. Drawing on our extensive knowledge of musicians needs and desires, Giardinelli has commissioned a select few high-value flutes from Gemeinhardt -- the Giardinelli by Gemeinhardt Series.Giardinelli specially commissioned the GFL312 student flute from Gemeinhardt to provide the utmost in craftsmanship and features for the lowest possible price. Were very impressed with the results. Plateau-keys are easier for students because they dont need to cover any holes on the keys. The deluxe sculptured pad cups are designed exclusively for Giardinelli. Offset G key is less stressful and easier for new players. Beautiful silver plating on the nickel-silver body and keys is not only more attractive, but is less slippery than nickel for an easier grip. The underlying nickel-silver structure is very durable and rugged, designed to take the inevitable handling accidents that happen with young players. The keys stay in alignment and adjustment longer than all-silver keys. C footjoint. The GFL312 Student Flute by Gemeinhardt comes with standard case.

Giardinelli GS812A Alto Saxophone

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Our Price: $1,499.00
List Price: $3,300.00
You Save: $1,801.00

The Giardinelli GS812A alto saxophone is a stunningly beautiful, professional-quality instrument, crafted in Europe to Giardinelli specifications. Body and bell are made of German nickel silver, plated with black nickel, and elaborately hand engraved. Keys are silver-plated with black pearl buttons. It comes with 2 necks--one with black nickel plating, and one made of rose brass with silver-plated finish. Both necks are engraved, have serial numbers to match the horn, and are specifically selected to match the individual characteristics of the instrument. Other features include an adjustable right-hand thumb hook double key arms for low C, B, Bb keys articulated low C# key tilting low Bb spatula leather pads with metal tone boosters. A superb instrument and priced to make it a remarkable value for an instrument of such fine quality.

Saxophone Mouthpiece Buying Guide

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When speaking of mouthpiece materials, a general rule of thumb states that the softer the material, the darker and less projecting the sound. The harder the material finds just the opposite.

Plastic:
Usually made into student mouthpieces. These mouthpiece prove durable and affordable. The tradeoff comes in that the sound can be bright and difficult to focus.
Ebonite (Hard Rubber):
Offers a warmer, better focused sound than plastic. Ebonite is the preferred material for classical players and jazz musicians not needing a great deal of edge and projection.
Crystal:
Very good projection and bright, but not much bottom sound.
Wood:
Though rarely used, wood is the warmest but least projecting of mouthpiece materials. It also proves less stable than rubber or plastic.
Metal–Plated Brass:
The majority of metal mouthpieces are made from plated brass. The mouthpieces are used almost exclusively for jazz playing. The most common plating is gold, however other metals are used for their different sonic properties.
Metal-Stainless Steel:
Likely the most projecting and brightest of the metal pieces.
Facing & Tip:
Where the mouthpiece meets the reed.The length of a facing is directly related to the opening of the tip. As a general rule, the longer the facing, the smaller the tip. The reverse is true for short facings. This relationship dictates many important factors for the clarinetist including reed strength, focus of sound and timbre, projection and the degree of "free-blowing".

The baffle is the area exactly opposite of the window and dictates the amount of “edge” or “bite” a mouthpiece displays. In general, the higher the baffle, the brighter and more projecting the sound. The lower the baffle, the more mellow and warm the sound.

Choosing the correct mouthpiece plays a major role in the overall success of the player’s development. Because mouthpieces are designed for a wide variety of styles, it is important to understand the mouthpieces design and intent.

Concert Band Mouthpieces:

For general concert band playing, choose a mouthpiece with a medium length facing curve and medium to medium close tip opening. This will allow your students to use a slightly harder reed and thereby create a more focused and controllable sound. The most popular concert band mouthpieces include the Selmer Paris C* and the Vandoren AL3 and AL4.

Jazz Band Mouthpieces:

Mouthpieces designed for jazz playing historically have a bigger tip opening, higher baffle and a larger chamber. These elements combine to give the jazz player greater flexibility and a larger tone. It is important to remember that this flexibility and volume also requires a great deal more control of the sound with the embouchure and air. When a student first begins using a dedicated “jazz” mouthpiece, it is usually a good idea to select a mouthpiece that will encourage a “jazz” sound yet remains more consistent in feel to his concert piece.

How to Buy Reeds for Woodwinds

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Cane Reeds:
It has long been believed that the best reeds in the world are made from cane (arundo donax). This type of woody grass is used for its deep-centered sound and rich tone quality. The most popular cane comes from the Var region of France, but cane from other world regions is quickly gaining favor (including Argentina and Spain).

Synthetic Reeds:
Synthetic reeds come made from a wide variety of materials but each does its best to emulate the response and sound quality of a natural cane reed. The advantage of synthetic reeds is their consistency. Because it is non-organic, a synthetic reed will not change with temperature and humidity. This means the reeds plays the same every time you put it on your mouthpiece. Synthetic reeds are extremely popular for jazz musicians who play on wider tipped mouthpieces, pit orchestra players who need to pick up an instrument and have it respond right away, and marching band members who are often asked to play in adverse weather conditions.


Related Guides

* Brass Mouthpiece Guide
written by Don Sumwalt
* Clarinet Mouthpiece Guide
written by Eric McKee
* Saxophone Mouthpiece Guide
written by Eric McKee

top questions

Question: What do the different numbers on saxophone and clarinet reeds mean? Which should I get?

Answer:The number on the reed indicates its stiffness, or "strength". Larger numbers indicate stronger (more dense) reeds. Most instructors...
view full answer
:: Guide Index » Accessories » Single Reeds
Single Reed Buyer's Guide
Some of the Questions Answered Below

* What's the difference between cane and synthetic reeds?
* What reed parts are the most important?

Recommended Reed Lists
section #5
View Recommended Reeds:

* Recommended Clarinet Reeds
* Recommended Saxophone Reeds

Materials
section #2

Single reeds are made from many different materials, but it really comes down to natural cane vs. synthetic.
featuring

Gonzalez F.O.F Bb Clarinet Reeds

Cane Reeds:
It has long been believed that the best reeds in the world are made from cane (arundo donax). This type of woody grass is used for its deep-centered sound and rich tone quality. The most popular cane comes from the Var region of France, but cane from other world regions is quickly gaining favor (including Argentina and Spain).
Synthetic Reeds:
Synthetic reeds come made from a wide variety of materials but each does its best to emulate the response and sound quality of a natural cane reed. The advantage of synthetic reeds is their consistency. Because it is non-organic, a synthetic reed will not change with temperature and humidity. This means the reeds plays the same every time you put it on your mouthpiece. Synthetic reeds are extremely popular for jazz musicians who play on wider tipped mouthpieces, pit orchestra players who need to pick up an instrument and have it respond right away, and marching band members who are often asked to play in adverse weather conditions.

Parts of the Reed
section #2

Tip:
The reed’s tip dictates the initial response of the reed. The thinner the tip, the more immediate the sound will be. The heavier the tip, the greater amount of air it can handle. The trick is finding a reed that responds well, but is also capable of playing at higher dynamic levels without closing off.
Vamp:
A reed’s vamp is the “cut” area of the reed where there is no bark present. In general, a longer vamped reed is very responsive, flexible and popular among jazz musicians. A shorter vamp reed offers more focus and is used more by concert players.
Heart:
The heart of the reed is found in the center of the vamp. It dictates the tone color of the reed. The thinner the heart, the more open and “reedy” the sound will be. The opposite is true of thick hearted reeds.

:: Guide Index » Accessories » Tubas

Anniversary Sale at Musiciansfriend.com

* Stephanhouser STS500 Tenor Sax - $1569.00
* Selmer Paris Recital Bb Professional Clarinet - $3499.00
* Rousseau Alto Sax Mouthpiece 5R - $62.99