Klarinet Archive - Posting 000120.txt from 1997/09

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Clarinet Tone Enhancers
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 1997 08:59:48 -0400

I have been asked about tone enhancers, and my feeling is that it is nice
to have the flexibility of pressing harder against the sides of the
reeds...especially at the corners of the lips. This is very
necessary....usually when playing very softly.....to allow the "airy"
sound to be controlled. Try long tones....a perfect decrescendo to
nothing....the end of the long tone requires this technique (in
conjunction with a change of air speed).

While there is a use perhaps somewhere, it is preferrable to simply learn
to blow against the harder reed and develop the necessary embouchure
strength to control the tone....rather than lean on devices that allow for
softer reeds. BTW.....I am not arguing against Avrahm Galper....what he
has written is absoultely a correct description of the Clarinet Tone
Enhancers.

Roger Garrett

On Wed, 3 Sep 1997, avrahm galper wrote:

> To answer the question about Clarinet Tone Enhancers:
>
> These are strips that are placed on the sides of the mouthpiece.
> Not too close to the reed.
>
> The strips prevent the lips from pressing too hard on the sides of the
> reed, giving freer vibrations to the reed. Can produce a bigger sound.
> One can use softer reeds because the sides won't buckle under lip
> pressure.
> The product is advertised on page 68 of the current The Clarinet
> magazine, Volume 24, number 4.
> The cost- -the same as two clarinet reeds.
>