Vandoren 5RV Lyre

[EgilF.]

My sister plays a Vandoren 5RV mpc on an old Buffet pro clarinet. She tells there always are a "swish/wind - sound" on some notes. I think there are the one with open tone holes. Could is be the mouthpiece?

What would be the next mouthpiece for she to test, after 30 years on the 5RV Lyre?

[Fred]

I would strongly advise not starting with the mouthpiece. The 5RV was the most standard classical mp in Vandoren's line for many years; I'm not sure if you meant she's playing a 5RV or a 5RV Lyre, but both are very standard and very well respected.

The notes you are referring to are difficult to have come out crisply - you need a good open throat and lots of breath support, with a definite "beginning" to the note. These notes are also susceptible to pad height misadjustment - either from incorrectly installed pads/corks, or from old pads absorbing moisture and swelling. Make sure the clarinet is set up right first; then make sure sister is playing it right. If her mpc is not damaged, I would not blame the mpc. Neither is my favorite mpc, but both are certainly well respected.

[MojoBari]

Like Fred said. But it is easy enough to test by switching mouthpieces and/or clarinets with a friend. Does the problem go with the mouthpiece, clarinet or player?

[clarnut]

Experiment with some different reeds as well. The strength may not be exactly right, causing a problem with lack of vibration.