Klarinet Archive - Posting 000148.txt from 1997/04

From: Alan Greenfield <alang@-----.IL>
Subj: (Fwd) Re: Mouthpiece patch
Date: Fri, 4 Apr 1997 19:37:02 -0500

From: Alan Greenfield
Subject: Re: Mouthpiece patch
Date: Fri, 4 Apr 1997 21:01:01 +0200

Hello Ryan

First of all, to recap what I wrote about using a thick mouthpiece
cushion on a "duckbill" mouthpiece, I was describing a remedy for an
unusual mouthpiece which has a slender, concave beak.

For one to generalize that a thick mouthpiece cushion causes a loss
of tone quality and air is incorrect. There are just too many
variables affecting one's sound (as well different opinions as to
what constitutes a good sound), therefore there can't be any hard
rules as to what one should or shouldn't use. Simply try for
yourself, and what works for you and your current set-up is best.

So you know, many professional clarinetists wouldn't do without
thick patches for various reasons; They enhance the tone quality by
providing for a darker, richer and warmer sound, while at the same
time they can suppress bothersome vibrations to the teeth that some
people experience. They'll ergonomically add comfort to one's
embouchure, as well as assist in the formation of a more "open
throat" - which produces a better sound, a better intonation,
facilitates staccato, and more. I find that it also assists me in
circular breathing, and in dynamic control.

For some players, especially those with an incompatible (or smaller)
mouth, and for those with jaw discomfort or certain dental
problems, a thick patch may not be comfortable to use. Some
mouthpieces with a more slender beak that are widely available
include Portnoy, Eddie Daniels, Gigliotti, as well as the
Vandoren Profile 88 series.

Alan Greenfield

   
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