Klarinet Archive - Posting 000509.txt from 1996/07

From: Jack Dannenberg <music@-----.COM>
Subj: Embouchre
Date: Fri, 26 Jul 1996 13:25:41 -0400

I have noticed many people mentioning reed and mouthpiece
combinations. I have several mouthpieces and many of the
ones that people mention. I also do not use as hard of reeds
as most people say they use. I have also read about the
difficulty (and sometimes pain) of using a double lip
embouchre. I have no problem playing double lip and no pain
either. (No problem playing, I do find it hard to support
the instrument so it goes on my knee.) Because I seem to have
different experiences than most I am beginning to wonder
about embouchre pressure as compared to other players.
Of course I would bring up a topic that is probably going
to be measured in subjective terms. My embouchre is very
relaxed and it is easy to move the clarinet around in my mouth.
My first instructor (no pain, no gain Don, if you are out there)
believed that your lower lip should be calloused from your
teeth. With that approach I could play #4 Van Doren reeds on a
Van Doren B44 mouthpiece. Somewhere along the line I found that
I like the sound better with less lip pressure. Now I use a #3
Van Doren V12 reed on a Clark Fobes mouthpiece but I have tried
using a Van Doren B45 and 5RV and still use the same reed.
Although I don't have plans on changing I am curious as to how
much pressure others use. I am especially interested in those of
you who use #4 reeds or harder. I have tried close tip, long lay
mouthpieces but I still could not use as hard of reeds that I
hear mentioned here. So my question to the group who uses hard
reeds is do you use lots of lip pressure or do you have some
incredible breath support?
Thanks All,

--
Jack Dannenberg
music@-----.com