Klarinet Archive - Posting 000289.txt from 1997/08

From: "David S. Naden" <dnaden@-----.net>
Subj: Re: mouthpiece and reed freaks
Date: Sat, 9 Aug 1997 17:13:14 -0400

Well stated!!

I have used Borbeck mouthpieces, but am currently using Greg Smith
mouthpieces. Everyone is different, and variety is the spice of life.

David S. Naden

GrabnerWG@-----.com wrote:

> In regard to the comments by GT and others, I would like to express my
>
> personal beliefs and experience.
>
> I regularly play my Bb, A, Eb soprano, and bass clarinets in local
> amateur
> groups. I now make my living in the computer industry, but I played
> professionally for 10 years out of college.
>
> It's true, the Vandoren B45 is a good, solid, basic mouthpiece. I own
> several
> of them. However, to get the flexibility AND depth of tone I
> wanted/required,
> it was absolutely necessary to go to an established mouthpiece maker.
> I chose
> Robert Borbeck, of Nevada. He made me my three mouthpieces Bb/A, Eb
> soprano,
> and Bass, with an eye for uniformity of feel, resistence etc.
>
> After a few days of practise, my playing inproved greatly in
> uniformity of
> sound, flexibilty of dynamics and range, and speed of articulation.
> These
> mouthpieces took me to a new level of playing which no matter how much
> I
> practised on the B45 mouthpieces I just could not reach!
>
> Recent adoption of Rovner ligatures and Vandoren V-12 reeds have also
> had a
> very salutary effect.
>
> In my opinon, a fine clarinet is a joy.....but the sound....the
> tone.....is
> made by the embouchure/mouthpiece/reed/ligature combination. I
> couldn't
> disagree more with Mr. GT.
>
> I make no claim that my current set-up is the "one" for anyone but
> myself.
> But to say everyone should just stop their search and all play on one
> mouthpiece is as ridiculous as saying we should all wear the same size
> shoes!