Klarinet Archive - Posting 000630.txt from 1995/05

From: Robert Moody <Musix4me@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Lisa Clayton asks the most critical question in
Date: Mon, 22 May 1995 14:21:45 -0400

Point well made Dan, if not just a little over-made.

I have played on Vandoren 2RV's, B45's and a Borbeck. I still use the
Borbeck and it has become the basis for my strongest quality (not that it's
necessarily strong. . .just MY strongest quality), my tone.

No-one I have ever let play it or whom I've known that has played one has
liked playing on them, and I didn't either. . .at first. But as I got used
to it and adjusted to it, my tone came into it's own and I have had
compliments ever since. I would never give up my Borbeck. I play on a
medium opening, use a Rovner ligature and regular Vandoren 3 - 3 1/2.

Everyone will have their special mouthpiece that brings them into their own
(as much as a mouthpiece by itself can). When I first played the Borbeck I
felt it to be to "muddy" or "stuffy". It seemed to have a response that felt
"thicker" than I was used to. It wasn't as bright as the Vandorens I played
on previously. My teacher felt there was a lakc of edge in my sound with it
and we worked on that. Now I feel as confident about playing Gershwin as I
do playing Brahms (as far as tone is concerned).

One last thing. I tried the Borbeck originally after my previous teacher sat
down with me and played some recordings. I then decided the different
qualities that I like in varying Clarinet tones. We listened to English,
German, French, Japanese and American examples. From these I told him the
qualities I liked and he suggested the Borbeck. He was right on the mark the
first try (probably lucky) and I have been pleased ever since.

Lisa, I hope you find the mouthpiece for you because Dan is right. It is the
most important part of the clarinet and it can make or break you.

Good luck