Klarinet Archive - Posting 000641.txt from 1995/05

From: Tom Ascher <U15310@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: More on Mouthpieces
Date: Mon, 22 May 1995 22:49:19 -0400

My experience as a newcomer to the clarinet and the klarinet was to buy
8 different mouthpieces of various length facings and apertures when I
started out and which I periodically try (maybe every few months) to
see if my preferences have changed. I concur that the mouthpiece seems
to be more important than the clarinet. When the clarinet conference met
in Chicago last year, I visited and tried out Yamahas, Leblancs, Selmers
and Buffets, including various models of each line. I didn't notice a
GREAT deal of difference from the used Yamaha YCL-62 that I had picked up
a few years ago. But, different mouthpieces! Each one is sooo different
and makes a great deal of difference in balance of the various ranges, ease
of playing, etc. Based on my limited experience I would agree that if
funds are limited, it makes more sense to try out a range of mouthpieces and
invest in the right one than to upgrade the clarinet itself.