Klarinet Archive - Posting 000434.txt from 1997/01

From: Jacqueline Eastwood <eastwooj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Multiple clarinets, multiple mouthpieces
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 1997 13:21:53 -0500

On Thu, 23 Jan 1997, Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu wrote:

> Perhaps I misunderstand the general tone involved but it appears to me
> that there is some universal and unstated assumption that having
> a mouthpiece for each clarinet is an unwise practice. And I'd like
> to explore that.
>
> Would someone tell me what the downside is for the use of multiple
> mouthpieces?
>
>
> ====================================
> Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
> (leeson@-----.edu)
> ====================================
>
Yes, Dan, I'll (bravely) face this one. To me, it is worse to have a dry
reed than a "cold" horn. I also happen to be extremely fussy about the
placement of the reed on the mouthpiece. Therefore, I have always
abhorred having to soak a reed and slap it on without the opportunity to
test it first. Of course, I live in Arizona where dry reeds are a
commonplace thing (even while you're playing, the backs can dry out and
they need rewetting). So, while I do not, per se, disagree with the use
of multiple mouthpieces, I do disagree with the subsequent use of multiple
reeds & set-ups.

Hope that made sense ... busy day at work and I'm taking a breather!

Jacqueline