Klarinet Archive - Posting 000443.txt from 1997/05

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: How do you pick a mthpc.
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 02:22:54 -0400

> >I am trying to figure out which mouth piece to order. I have been looking at
> >the charts in the Woodwind and Brasswind cat. and the Intl. Music. Supp. cat.
> > How does one determine what facing to use etc. I am very confused! Is
> >there a formula? (like reed strength etc.)

Here is my step-by-step method for selecting a new mouthpiece:

1. Go to a place which sells mouthpieces and which has hundreds in stock.
A further requirement is that it must be a place which will let you play
on as many as you wish.

2. Take with you the following: (a.) 3 or 4 reeds which work very well
on your present mouthpiece; (b.) an electronic tuner; and, (c.) a friend
whose ears you trust.

3. Before beginning, have at least a general idea of the type of
mouthpiece you are looking for - about how open a tip, how long a lay,
what brands are likely to appeal to you. Be willing to change all of
these in the course of a half day of playing various mouthpieces.

4. Decide on a starting point. Select a mouthpiece type which will not
be too extreme in any way. Take three of these and play on them,
selecting the best one and returning the other two to stock. MAKE SURE
THAT YOU HAVE A METHOD OF KNOWING WHICH ONES YOU HAVE TRIED.

5. Take three more mouthpieces with are not too wildly different from the
first group, and go through the same procedure. Do the same with three
more. You will be looking for the best mouthpiece for _you_ based on its
intonation, as measured by the tuner, tone quality, based on your ears and
those of your friend, and response, based on your reactions to its playing
characteristics, comfort, and "feel."

6. Now you have reduced nine mouthpieces to three. Play on these three,
selecting the best one. Return the others to stock, and resolve never to
go back to one you have eliminated and try it again "just to be sure." If
you allow yourself to do this, you will become hopelessly confused.

7. Now start all over with three more groups of three, reducing each
group to one, and the the final three to one.

8. Repeat step 7. Now you have reduced 27 mouthpieces to three. Select
the best one.

9. Now start all over again, two times. After doing that, you will have
reduced 81 mouthpieces to three. Play on these three and select the best
one. That one will be the best one of a group of 81 mouthpieces. You can
do this as many times as your endurance (or the music store) will allow.

10. Take your new mouthpiece home, get a good night's sleep, and be
prepared for a very satisfying experience when you play your instrument
the next day.

At this point, you may be thinking that this is hopelessly unrealistic,
and that nobody would go to that much trouble to select a mouthpiece, and
that there must be an easier way. Let me assure you that I have done this
on more than one occasion, and I know others who have done so as well. I
don't know any other way to get a mouthpiece which you can rely on as
being the best for you. This is far preferable to ordering from a catalog
going by the "mouthpiece comparison charts," or to buying a copy of the
mouthpiece of your favorite player, whose embouchure, breath support, oral
cavity and ears are all different from yours.

This would be a great way to spend a day or so of your summer vacation.
Good luck!

Ed Lacy
*****************************************************************
Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
*****************************************************************