A cheaper alternative to the Vandoren B40 for a chalumeau

[Kta]

Hi
This is my first post here.

I recently bought a cheap ($40) Thomann chalumeau. This is my very first wind instrument as I've never played one before, so I'm a complete beginner. The reason I bought a chalumeau and not an entry level clarinet is mainly because I find the sound of the chalumeau somehow closer to a duduk, which I love. And although I find it very challenging to play so far I enjoy my chalumeau. But I saw a lot of people on the internet saying that the mouthpieces on these inexpensive Thomann chalumeaux are of bad quality and because of that the learning process is more difficult. Also, I've read some comments saying that in order to get a more warmer and softer sound from the chalumeau, one that is even more close to the duduk sound, a Vandoren B40 is recommended. The problem is a Vandoren B40 is over my budget at the moment.

So my question is: can you please recommend a beginner-friendly mouthpiece that would help me get a more duduk-like sound out of my chalumeau and that is also less expensive than a B40?

Cheers!

 

[Steve]

using WWBW.com to see prices the B40 is about $100.
A good inexpensive alternative is the Yamaha mpc, which runs about $50.
Clark Fobes Debut mpc are around $35
those are two good and consistent lower cost mouthpieces. Although they may not be as warm/soft tonally as the B40

but, i'm not familiar with dudaks
looking it up a dudak is actually a double reed instrument with a sound close to an english horn.
So using a chalumeau to make it sound like an english horn ?
I'm not sure what to recommend.

 

[Kta]

Thank you Steve! I appreciate the help!

I'll probably go with a Yamaha 4C or 5C. Unfortunately the Clark Fobes mouthpieces are not available in my country, but I guess a 4C or 5C should do the trick for now as they are considered very beginner-friendly and of very decent quality.

The sound of the duduk (not "dudak" ) is somewhere between an english horn and a clarinet but much closer to the chalumeau's sound.

From the internet:
"The duduk is a traditional double-reed instrument from Armenia. But the sound is not typical of a double-reed instrument like the shawm or oboe. Rather, it produces a warm, soft low tone, rather like the chalumeau."

 

[ppalma00]

Thank you Steve! I appreciate the help!

I'll probably go with a Yamaha 4C or 5C. Unfortunately the Clark Fobes mouthpieces are not available in my country, but I guess a 4C or 5C should do the trick for now as they are considered very beginner-friendly and of very decent quality.

The sound of the duduk (not "dudak" ) is somewhere between an english horn and a clarinet but much closer to the chalumeau's sound.

From the internet:
"The duduk is a traditional double-reed instrument from Armenia. But the sound is not typical of a double-reed instrument like the shawm or oboe. Rather, it produces a warm, soft low tone, rather like the chalumeau."

Hi,
I have just posted a question motivated by the same thing: mouthpiece cheaper than Vandoren but good enough for chalumeau. And I am considering 4C

what has been your experience with the one you got?
thanks
Pedro
Spain

 

[pete]

Checked ebay. Looks like the Vandoren B40 is selling for $80 and up. Note that's not sold. The Vandoren B45 is selling in the $30 or so range. That's pretty good.

 

[Gandalfe]

I fav Forbes but then to each his own?

 

[ghostler]

I assume the Chalumeau uses standard Bb clarinet mouthpieces?

There is a brand of US manufactured mouthpieces that are very reasonably priced, "Bari". This is a US listing but I have seen them also in EU on-line stores, Thomann, etc.

Sweetwater: Bari ESKCLP Esprit Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece Kit - Polished

If you already have a clarinet ligature and mouthpiece cap, they have just the mouthpiece, Bari ESMCLP, which is a touch cheaper.

These are quality mouthpieces but at about half the price of the Yamaha 4C, 5C.

 

[pete]

I assume the Chalumeau uses standard Bb clarinet mouthpieces?

Looks that way, although one website I went by had mouthpieces that were "designed for" chalumeau.

I think OP is looking for a mouthpiece that's halfway decent and is under the price of an OK chalumeau set, i.e. under $40 US.

 

[ghostler]

Spoiler: Clarinet versus Chalumeau

There are similar instruments to the Chalumeau, some on Amazon, others on Musician's Friend and Sweetwater. I have found though that as @pete alluded to, I can buy a good, used classical brand name clarinets for about the same price, hence the lack of self-motivation. However, the ability to purchase inexpensive clarinets may be true here in US, but maybe not where @Kta lives.

However, more power to those who enjoy those instruments. It is whatever pleases the soul that matters.
"The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul." Johann Sebastian Bach

(However according to AZ Quotes: Johann Sebastian Bach is quoted to say, "Without my morning coffee I'm just like a dried up piece of roast goat," which has some truth to it. I feel that way some mornings after surpassing 70. )

My facetiousness aside, I wish the @Kta luck in finding a suitable mouthpiece. If you do find, could you post your successes / travails with the Chalumeau?