Klarinet Archive - Posting 000261.txt from 1994/12

From: CLARK FOBES <reedman@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Question about old "seds" ? (mouthpiece?)
Date: Tue, 13 Dec 1994 13:40:24 -0500

You wrote:

>
>-- [ From: David Kaminsky * EMC.Ver #2.10P ] --
>
> If the questioner was referring to the "Chedeville" mpc this may
>help some people. Tom Ridenour designed a mouthpiece series called the
>"Legend". This series is a copy of the old "Chedeville" (I think
>spelling the is correct) mouthpiece. I would be interested to hear
>from anyone who has played the mouthpieces to get some reactions on the
>design. There is an "O" series and an "A" series both with with a
>1.10mm and 1.05mm tip opening. The model # is 2572. I would like to
>hear some reactions, pro and con.
> As an informational note, all new Woodwind Co. mouthpieces being
>designed by Tom Ridenour for Leblanc have a common thread. The model
>number extension, or facing number, actually has meaning!!! "L", "M",
>or "S" refer to the length of the curve, (Long, medium, and short) and
>the number preceding the letter refers to the tip opening measurement.
>Example - the "K" series Woodwind Company Mpc. 2550 K10M refers to the
>"K" series mpc. with a 1.10mm tip opening and a medium curve.
>
> Dave Kaminsky, Leblanc
> Orlando
>
>I have the greatest respect for Tom Ridenour and his knowledge of the
clarinet and acoustics. However, my experiences with the Woodwind Co.
mouthpieces in the past has not been very good. There was in the past a
major problem with some part of the manufacturing process that left a
bump on the table at the base of the window. How can a reed possibly sit
flat on something like that. I have also noticed many, many Combs and
Marcellus mouthpieces that are very crudely finished on the inside. But,
from where I sit there is nothing that plays as well as a beautifully
hand finished mouthpiece. Companies like Van Doren and Leblanc provide
a suitable, relatively inexpensive alternative to hand crafted
mouthpieces. I applaud the effort that Tom is making toward improving
the Woodwind product.

I have refaced many old Chedeville mouthpieces and a few were good, many
were awful. It is a shame that makers cannot have enough confidence in
their own designs that they have to resort to marketing their products
as "copies" of famous "mystical" mouthpieces.

Clark W Fobes