Klarinet Archive - Posting 000012.txt from 1994/06

From: Clark W Fobes <reedman@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Mouthpiece materials
Date: Sat, 4 Jun 1994 12:03:45 -0400

On Fri, 3 Jun 1994, James E. Perone = Music wrote:

> I just realized that I sent a reply directly to Clark Fobes instead of to
> the list. Anyway, I agree completely with Clark re: quality (lack of)
> control -- windows especially seem to be badly mis-shapen recently.
> The comment I have received from two people is that the new material
> seems "oily." Someone actually swore that the material was plastic!!!
>
> Any other leads on sources for blanks??????
>
> Jim Perone
> perone=canisius
>
I did receive some mouthpieces that were horrible and the dust from this
material was very black. The quality was so poor I sent them all back.
The most recent run of mouthpieces, though, seem to be of a much better
quality rubber. I have decided to order "semi-finished" mouthpieces from
now on . Even though these will require additional time on my part I will
be able to have greater control of the product. Unfortunately, I
will probably increase the pricr of my mouthpieces to about $120.

I have tried other sources without much luck. Riffault in France use to
make a very good blank, but the windows are much too large now. Zinner in
Germany is a possibility, but they are pretty expensive. I also tried
Wolf Tannenbaum in Florida, bur absolutely thought his work was horrible.

Clark W Fobes