Klarinet Archive - Posting 000442.txt from 1997/05

From: John Kurokawa <batsai@-----.net>
Subj: Re: How do you pick a mthpc.
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 00:14:13 -0400

Jerry Korten wrote:

>I too enjoy the open mouthpiece softer reed combination.

>I switch between setups every few weeks. I'm trying to decide what I like. A
>B45-13, or an M13 Lyre.

I find this comment to be very interesting, since these two mouthpieces are
radically different in terms of tip opening. If we think of 1.10 mm as an
average, ballpark "medium" tip opening, then the B45 would be considered
very open, as its tip opening is about 1.19 mm. The M13 Lyre however, is
rather close- about 1.02 mm. These mouthpieces require different reed
strengths to be used successfully. I personally use an M13 Lyre and use
Vandoren V-12 #4's, which would be MUCH too stiff to use (without extensive
adjustment) on a B45.

I would recommend choosing one and sticking with it for at least a couple
of months. You can't really get to know a mouthpiece in just a couple of
weeks.

Good Luck!

John

John Kurokawa
Principal Clarinet, Dayton Philharmonic
batsai@-----.net