Klarinet Archive - Posting 000370.txt from 1996/03

From: Dennis Nord <nordden@-----.COM>
Subj: Egad, mouthpieces again
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 1996 16:46:28 -0500

Hello, all. As a new subscriber, here's a brief intro, then some questions.

I'm Dennis Nord. Began clarinet in 5th grade, added tenor sax in 9th grade.
Studied privately for 8 years with Michael Guerra (alto sax, Philadelphia
Orchestra in the 30's and 40's). He wanted me to continue in music. My dad, a
very fine bassist, said, "You'll never make a living in music. Get a day job.
Keep music as a hobby like me. You'll enjoy it more." That's what I did. He
was probably right.

I was a science major, but played in evey musical elective offered all through
college. Since then I've played in dance combos, pit orchestras, Virginia Beach
Civic Symphony (personnel manager for a while), and big bands. Currently
playing in a community (i.e., nonprofit) big band. (Is that an oxymoron?)

My setups are these--Emil Lyon, Paris, clarinet ser.# 1782 (has ANYONE heard of
these?); Donald Montenaro mouthpiece (no longer made), something (can't read
it)*; Rico 3 or 3-1/2 reeds: Martin Committee tenor; Berg Larsen 100/2 M metal
mouthpiece; Vandoren V-16 3-1/2 reeds. I've had both of these setups since
junior high (36 years).

Now to the questions. Although both instruments are in good repair, I haven't
been satisfied with either one for the last maybe 2 years. Part of the problem
might be me. Now that I'm older (51) and slightly asthmatic, breath support is
harder. The tenor sounds good, but the low notes are very difficult, always
have been. Is this due to a metal mouthpiece? (Maybe this question should go
to the "other" LIST.)

The clarinet has more resistance than years past (blowout?) and the tone is very
spread out with little focus. When I got the instrument my teacher said you
need some resistance to work against (wrong!). I've played on some fine
instruments, Buffets and LeBlancs. The sound just FLOWS out of them. Mine has
always been work, even when it sounded better.

I'd like to try another mouthpiece to see if that would help, so my question is:
What is a good place to start? A search of the KLARINET archives shows that
the Vandoren B45 seems to be THE mouthpiece. It's both loved and hated, but
it's mentioned more than any other. OR, is the B45 old technology, and we have
has advanced to where there is a better all around, general purpose,
great-but-not-perfect, reliable mouthpiece?

Although I'm playing jazz at the moment, my formal training is classical (both
instruments), and this is the sound I want.

Thanks.
Dennis
nordden@-----.com