Klarinet Archive - Posting 000015.txt from 1995/01

From: "David A. GILMAN" <DAGILMAN@-----.EDU>
Subj: Mouthpieces ?!?
Date: Mon, 2 Jan 1995 19:21:09 -0500

To any and all of you out there...

I am having the hardest time finding a good mouthpiece. Currently,
I use a Gennusa with a Vandoren V-12 #3-1/2 reed and a standard Selmer
ligature. I really like the sound of it (very dark), but it plays
slightly flat in the throat and upper clarion ranges, and it responds
sluggishly with certain altissimo notes (particularly f and f#: "open"
fingerings only - the "closed" ones are OK). It doesn't project too well
either. The Gennusa has a concave baffle and a large tone chamber, which
could be part of the problem. I play a pair of Selmer Recitals. My
teacher says that my sound is good and rich, but not sufficiently vibrant.
Does anyone know know of something generally dark but with just enough
high overtone response to give me tonal vibrance, good projection, and a
decent high f# without half-holing? I've tried lots of Vandorens, and
they either give me a windhiss or a tip opening that's too close. I
generally prefer a long lay and a medium tip opening. Does anyone know of
anything good offhand, or am I dreaming?

David Gilman
dagilman@-----.edu