Klarinet Archive - Posting 000425.txt from 1995/04

From: David Gilman <dagilman@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: PROFILE 88
Date: Mon, 24 Apr 1995 14:11:58 -0400

>Does anyone have any information on the origin and meaning of "Profile
>88", which Vandoren uses to describe some of its mouthpieces.
>
>For example, how does a B45DOT differ from a B45DOT Profile 88?
>
>Any relevant information would be helpful.
>
>fred cicetti <cicetti@-----.com>
>
>
Fred,
My teacher and I had this same question some months ago. We looked
at all the literature we could find, and the only item showing anything
about the new profile was a diagram on the insert that came with a box of
Vandoren reeds. As far as we could tell, the only difference is that the
angle the outside of the beak makes with the facing is sharper. Everything
else (facing, tip opening, tone chamber,...) is the same. My teacher says
this will cause the mouth to be more closed while playing, thus creating a
brighter, less resonant sound. I wound up buying a 5RV-Lyre in the standard
profile, since I also found the Profile 88 too bright for my taste. [In
deference to those who abhor the terms "bright" and "dark," I use "bright"
to indicate a sound with higher partials more dominant: generally less
mellow and more projecting than a "dark" sound. That's the best I can do to
describe the terms.]
If anyone out there has more information, please let me know.

David Gilman