Klarinet Archive - Posting 000180.txt from 1995/08

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: setup
Date: Fri, 11 Aug 1995 18:54:10 -0400

Dan,
(I am assuming that the account is in someone else's name and
that I'm addressing the right person here). As you've found out, all
numbering systems are diferent. Some, like the Vandorens, go up as the
tip opening gets larger (although the length of the taper is not obvious
from the numbering). Some, like the Hite, are simply happenstance. His
first model was called #1. The next shape was #2... Certain lines of
mouthpieces are known to have general characteristics, even if there are
individual differences. And yes, a Vandoren B45 might just, by some
fluke, be much more flexible than all the others of its ilk. However,
Vandoren's are generally not a good bet for a doubler's mouthpiece unless
the doubler is a sax player who needs a legit mouthpiece for his
clarinet. They are superb for what they were designed for - to give a
smooth, controlled sound which you don't have to worry about so you can
get on with the technical side of the instrument.
By the same token, certain lines of mouthpieces have a justified
reputation as being more amenable to a certain kind of sound/style. The
ones I mentioned in my letter are, in my experience of trying an
assortment of them, selling them in a store and having students buy them,
capable of producing a jazz or a legit sound with a minimum of effort on
the player's part. I'm sure there are others out there and you're own
personal way of getting sound will definitely make some mouthpieces speak
better than others. Unfortunately, there is no way to truly predict how a
specific mouthpiece will play. I can only recommend that you make a trip
to a really large store such as Weiner Music in New York, whch will have
many brands in stock, and sit there for a few hours (days?!) trying
mouthpieces.So, good luck and happy hunting.

Fred Jacobowitz

On Fri, 11 Aug 1995, LUCY M. JILKA wrote:

> > If you are wanting to play Jazz, don't bother with the B45. It is
> > a very controlled-sounding mouthpiece with little flexibility.
>
> You listed several mouthpieces reputed to be good for doublers... anyone
> know of any with a particular reputation for flexibility? Also, given the
> "every mouthpiece is different" truism, is there any way to narrow one's
> search based on the information printed on the mouthpiece? Most companies
seem
> to have a numbering system, but I have not seen any info on how those
> systems work. Can I look at a number on a mouthpiece and say "oh, fairly
> long lay, wide chamber, etc?" Or do I just walk into the store, ask for
> eight mouthpieces in my price range & enter the realm of music-store back
> room aural subjectivity?
>
> Thanks,
> Danny "still waiting for my overtime/mouthpiece-fund check" Collier
>