Klarinet Archive - Posting 000004.txt from 1993/12

From: "Dr. Ronald P. Monsen" <RPMONS00@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Mouthpiece names
Date: Wed, 1 Dec 1993 10:48:57 -0500

I might offer this thought on mouthpiece names--I really think in most cases
the name or number given is very individual with each maker. For example for
many years the Vandoren 2RV was very popular--still may be. Then along came
the 5RV--?? It is my understanding that the two are set to the same specs-
it was a marketing thing.

Selmer's C85 carry the 105,115 and 120 classification along with the C85.
The numbers refer to the tip openings--but when you measure them they all
vary quite a bit. Then a new one C95 has been introduced--again in varying
tip openings--I have no idea what C85 or C95 is meant to describe. Just a
catalog number I suspect--to keep it straight from HS* HS** B* C* etc.
There really is no standard. The use of the Eric Brand mouthpiece tip gauge
and feeler gauges can give a good indication of each individual mouthpiece

and the dimensions. As I recall there was a good discussion of the measur-
ing technique in Robert Schmidt's book on Clarinet Repair published some
years ago by Shall-u-Mo.

Regards,