Klarinet Archive - Posting 000186.txt from 1996/08

From: skubi@-----.ORG
Subj: Sound Enhancers?
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 14:20:37 -0400

ID> Hello everybody:) I'm Robin and I'm a music performance major at
ID>Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo Ontario. I've been on this list
ID>for a while, but I can't figure out how to get into the archives. Could
ID>someone help me out with that?
ID> Also, I have a question about "sound enhancers". I'd appreciate
ID>getting some info on what they are, as well as how and if they work.
ID> Lastly, I feel compelled to mention that I bought my first A
ID>clarinet this week!! It's a new Buffet and I'm very proud of it!!:)
ID>
ID>Robin Dupre
ID>dupr4470@-----.ca
ID>
ID>

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Dear Robin,

My system was down for a few days.
In fact, it died while I was trying to write a response to you
regarding sound enhancers.
Perhaps you got all the info you desired already.
In any case, I assume you were referring to the "gadget" invented
by my former teacher, Abe Galper. They are also called tone enhancers.

Two little strips made of a "safe" (i.e. to put in your mouth)
substance that stick on the sides of your mouthpiece, just beside the rails.

Abe's theory, in a nutshell, is that they stop your lower lip from
applying excess pressure to the sides of the reed. Thus you should have
a "freer" or perhaps "bigger" sound. They theoretically work on saxophones too.

I tried them, off and on, and currently do not use them. I had
trouble when playing very soft. Also, I am a doubler and, with a lot of
fast horn switching required, couldn't get properly used to them.

It is also very difficult to experiment with them, because ideally
you want to try playing with them, then immediatly without them, to
check the difference. Trouble is you can only take them on and off a
few times before they stop sticking to the mouthpiece. You have to buy
2 sets and consider the first ones your experimental set.

Good luck!
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