Matt Proujansky on the HR* Clarinet 6

"For a long time I've been playing a Vandoren 5JB with a Legere European Cut 3.00 reed, but I dropped my mouthpiece and broke the tip. I went to Virtuosity Musical Instruments in Boston, and they kindly let me try mouthpieces with a tip opening similar to the 5JB, which is 147/100mm.

I tried a 5JB with the newer Profile 88. The profile did not seem different than my traditional profile 5JB, but with either 5JB I have to be careful of my embrasure at the upper end of the Clarion register or I'll squeak. Also, the Altissimo E is difficult to play in tune.

I also tried a Theo Wanne 7 mouthpiece. It was more easy blowing than the 5JB, which was nice, and it didn't have the squeaking or intonation issues. However, it was too bright in the Clarion register. And, it's way too expensive.

Most of Virtuosity's customers are orchestral players, so they didn't have any JodyJazz mouthpieces in stock, but I took a chance and ordered an HR* Clarinet 6 from JodyJazz. It doesn't have the squeaking issues, it has great intonation in the Altissimo register, and it has the warmth in the Clarion register (in all registers) that I was hoping for. I also noticed that on the lowest notes, when blowing hard, the overtones that are created are particularly pleasing--strong and warm yet not raspy. All in all, the HR* is easy to play up and down the range of the clarinet, and it has wonderful tone quality throughout. It's a winner!"