Klarinet Archive - Posting 000225.txt from 1997/08

From: deerich@-----.net
Subj: Re: Kids Today
Date: Wed, 6 Aug 1997 21:05:23 -0400

> Just what exactly is a "beginner's" mouthpiece? I play clarinet and sax,
> and work in a music store, and I am unfamiliar with the term. I am
> guessing that "beginner's" mouthpiece means "something other than the
> particular model the teacher prefers." Or it may simply mean plastic vs.
> hard rubber. In any case, if you produce good tone, intonation, and range
> with it, it is a professional mouthpiece to me.

A beginner's mouthpiece is very inexpensive (Yes, I know that price is
not directly related to quality) and usually plastic. Generally this is
what is supplied as a standard with a student plastic clarinet. I have
seen studente replacement mouthpieces in the range of $10. Now you
might by chance get one that is really good but you can bet it is just
chance. The in-plant inspections are not going to be as rigorous so
that the manufacturing scrap rate will be low. This helps keep the
prices down. The tolerances will not be as rigorous. This allows the
use of less expensive manufacturing equipment, again keeping the price
down.

Even with a beginner playing, the sound quality is noticeably different
on a "beginner's" mouthpiece and a higher grade. My daughter will start
band this fall and has been studying this summer. Today she played for
the band director and he remarked on her beautiful tone. I believe that
is because of the fact that she has been using a quality mouthpiece and
reed (it happens to be a Vandoren B45 and Mitchell Lurie reeds but other
good equipment would be just as appropriate).

Yes teachers do have individual preferences but any of the good ones
will tell you that their first concern is quality so that if a student
prefers a different (but good quality) brand than the instructor that
will be satisfactory to the teacher.

Dee Hays
Canton, SD
deerich@-----.net

   
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