Klarinet Archive - Posting 000201.txt from 1994/10

From: Ronald Atienza <RATIENZA@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Help on Mouthpieces
Date: Wed, 19 Oct 1994 16:18:53 -0400

> Can someone explain to me what the "facings" and "tip" openings are?
> Also, what are ideal sizes of them? Whats the difference between the
> sound or feel of an open (or closed) tip? What's the difference between
> the different facings?
>
> What is a good mouthpiece brand and facing? One of my teachers said that
> the Vandoren B45 was a good one.
>

Hello Chris,

If you look at your mouthpiece with your reed on, the "tip" opening
is the distance from the beak of the mouthpiece to the tip of your
reed. The facing is the curved part of the mouthpiece that pulls
away from the reed and goes down the length of the mouthpiece.

It's hard to answer your question about ideal sizes, since different
embouchres work better with different facings. Generallly, stiffer
reeds will work better with small tip openings and shorter facings and
softer reeds with wider openings and longer facings

If your using Vandoren #3 reeds (or any other medium strength),
Vandoren B45's will work really well and give a good tone. I
personally use a 5RV Lyre; it can be sharp at times, but it's also
the best mouthpiece I've played on. Gigliottis are also very fine
mouthpieces.

I hope this helps somewhat and please say hello to Dr. Morosic for
me.

Ronald Atienza
ratienza@-----.edu