Klarinet Archive - Posting 000197.txt from 1994/02

From: "Dr. Ronald P. Monsen" <RPMONS00@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Mouthpiece patches
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 1994 09:42:10 -0500

Mouthpiece patches: I have a die-stamp made for me in the shape of the
desired patch by a instrument repairman at Cal State University-Arcata.
You get fine bike inner tubes uoen them out and punch out a bunch of
patches--but then how to apply them? I used to use double stick tape--
but they always came loose. So now I buy packets of two in a fairly
thick soft rubber--Runyon (dist Selmer Elkhart) Also Yamaha makes them
in various sizes--of a clear soft material--as well as a harder thinner
material. You local music stockist should be able to supply you. I also
think Charles Bay Bay/Gale WW Products makes some up. I find the patch is
very comfortable--one from tooth is a bit longer-now I feel more comfort

when I play. I also hear quite different--the sound against the teeth
into the head--etc. I am sure this is mostly in my mind--but it is for
me the most comfortable set-up. I never used a patch until quite late in
my graduate study--once I started playing with them I was "hooked".

Again they are not everybody's cup of tea--but I feel better and more secure
with a patch so I use it.

Ron Monsen