Klarinet Archive - Posting 000205.txt from 1997/08

From: trbaun@-----. Baun)
Subj: Re: mouthpiece and reed freaks
Date: Wed, 6 Aug 1997 16:56:01 -0400

I disagree with you to some point... I feel that many, if not most,
hand-made mouthpieces and reeds are superior to those which are
commercial. My reason for believing this is the same reason you
complained of the infererior quality of newer clarinets-- the are
commercially mass-produced. When something is made by hand, especially
by oneself, it is possible to pay greater attention to detail and one's
own personal preference. Your preference is obviously for those
mass-produced mouthpieces and reeds. Personally, I used to play on a
Vandoren B46, and now use a Pyne B3+. The difference is like night and
day. Mr. Pyne was able to adjust the facing, which along with bore is
an extremely important aspect of a mouthpiece, to suit my personal
needs. Please do not put people down in matters that deal only with
personal preference (not a federal affair). I am sorry that you are
offended.

-Tara R. Baun
trbaun@-----.net

GTGallant@-----.com wrote:
>
> If I read another article or hear about people who make their own reeds or
> "reface" mouthpieces I may throw up! The best mouthpieces already exist. Do
> you want to know the secret? They are less expensive than nearly all
> professionl models on the market today. Since the suspense is killing you at
> this point I'll divulge my wisdom upon thine now. VANDOREN (preferably the
> B45 series). Wow, does'nt it feel great to put all those mouthpiece refacers
> and makers out of business! Never buy a silly $150 mouthpiece just because
> some idiot rubbed it across a sheet of sandpaper a few times. They are
> ripping you off! It's all bore design, baby! When was the last time you
> heard an actual discussion on the instrumant itself? Probably once, in a far
> away place in a dark alley. This is why clarinets (all brands except maybe
> Rossi) are inferior to other wind instruments because nobody seems concerned
> with their construction. Mass production manufactures keep producing garbage
> that professionals accept as "top of the line" and they seem perfectly
> comfortable with that notion. My humble opinion is that most players are
> afraid to turn a screw without consulting a repairman first. Fellow
> clarinetists, the instrument is not a mystical object, bound by magic and
> prayed over, but a piece of wood with metal attached to it. I'm getting off
> track a little bit, sorry! I am preparing a manifesto regarding the new
> direction in clarinet technology that some of you may find interesting. Does
> anyone feel the same?
>
> Comments are indeed encouraged. P.S - What's up with repairmen? Big
> deal.