Klarinet Archive - Posting 000028.txt from 1997/09

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: A student's multiple questions
Date: Mon, 1 Sep 1997 15:48:55 -0400

A few observations:

On Mon, 1 Sep 1997, Mike Nichols wrote:

> The 5RVL has a very closed facing (probably the most closed-faced
> mouthpiece on the market), and the Gigliotti is probably the most open (of
> the classical mouthpieces--the Vandoren 5JB Jazz mouthpiece is more open
> than the P34). So they're two completely opposite ends of the spectrum.
> I don't know a whole lot about the differences between closed and open
> mouthpieces, but I do know that the closed ones are supposed to be easier
> to control. I think the open ones are louder and have a brighter sound.
> (at least mine is louder and brighter) The B45 is an open mouthpiece
> (not quite as open as the P34, though)

While the P34 is open for a Giglioti, it is certainly not as open as many
other classically made clarinet mouthpieces. Many of the stock Combs,
Blayman, Hite, etc. are more open. The differences between closed and
open have to do with the distance between the tip of the reed and the tip
of the mouthpieces. Control, at least in theory, stems from being able to
use a harder or softer reed with either (harder reeds for closed facings,
and softer reeds for open facings). However, it is critical to understand
that the facing alone is not the one measurement to be concerned with -
there is the depth of the baffle (interior of the mouthpiece just inside
the tip), the witdth of the tip/chamber opening....and if it is at a 90
dgrees or slanted/sanded angle down the length of the lay. There is the
bore size, and th inside of the bottom of the opening....sanded at a diag
or squared up........when one is ready to look for a mouthpiece beyond the
stock mouthpieces, it is a good idea to begin working with a custom
maker...James Pyne, Richard Hawkins, Greg Smith, etc.

> The ligature makes adifference, because some ligatures are more
> reed-friendly. I use a Rovner
> ligature, and it works well with most reeds.

Some inherent problems with the Rovner include problems with articulation,
unfocused low register, and uneveness between registers. Metal
mouthpieces that help eliminate these are the Bay (highly recommended for
sound etc, but not recommended for a lasting ligature...very thin!),
Bonade...adjusted, and others such as the Vandoren and Harrison. If you
ever find a Casper ligature (rare).....grab it!!! Or....email me and sell
it to me for a LOW price!

Roger Garrett