Klarinet Archive - Posting 000711.txt from 1996/10

From: Steve Prescott <mipresc@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Reed adjustment
Date: Mon, 28 Oct 1996 11:13:55 -0500

Luuk's response (below) to Deborah's tone problem has merit
>
>This sounds like the problem I had about a year ago. It appeared that my
>sound had somehow 'degenerated' and whatever I tried, I couldn't get my old
>sound back. This became apparent in only some weeks time. Firstly, I blamed the
>reeds, too. But _suddenly no good reeds at all_ made me suspicious about the
>mouthpiece.
>I went to a woodwind shop and tried several new mouthpieces, including some new
>Selmers, the type I was using then (Selmer C85-120). The Selmers were
>absolutely
>different from the old one and much more like it used to be. I solved my
>problem
>by buying a new mouthpiece of the same type.
>
>Luuk van Buul
>

I'd like to add that we as players also change. Our teeth move, the inside
of our mouth changes over time as well. Sometimes we need to adapt. More
mouthpiece, less mouthpiece, changing the angle of the clarinet etc. can
help. Luuk is right, have your mouthpiece measured, they do warp/wear over
time. A good technician can reface it for you. Jim Pine, Clark Fobes and
others are very knowledgeable about the subject. Or as Luuk suggested, buy
a new one.

Steve.

Steve Prescott
Instrument Rep.Tech./ Clarinetist
Indiana State University
mipresc@-----.edu