Klarinet Archive - Posting 000454.txt from 1997/05

From: Martin Marks <mmarks@-----.net>
Subj: Re: How do you pick a mthpc.
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 15:56:22 -0400

At 01:22 AM 5/15/97 -0500, you wrote:
>> >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
>*****************************************************************
>
>
>
>Ed
Some people will have to select a mouthpiece mail order. When I was living
Near N.Y.C. I could find stores that stocked a great variety of mouthpieces.
Here in Miami,Florida the only mouthpiece you can find is a B45. Clarinet
specialty shops such as Muncy Winds in Boone, N.C., International Music
and Weiner stock everything. Even Sam Ash, which has two stoes here in
South Florda only stocks B45's and maybe a few others. The same is true
for reeds and I can only buy them at a decent price via mail order. Most
mail order or catolog places will let you try as many mpcs. as you like for
two weeks and they have everything! Muncy can even tell you what is most
popular. This can be helpful to someone who does not yet know too much
about tip openings, facing curves, etc.
Marty