Klarinet Archive - Posting 000574.txt from 1998/01

From: lanewhite@-----.com (Lane G White)
Subj: Re: Beginner Beginner teacher questions
Date: Sun, 11 Jan 1998 21:30:42 -0500

On Sun, 11 Jan 1998 16:38:51 -0500 Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
writes:
>At 09:25 AM 1/11/98 EST, Lane G. White wrote:

Hi, Bill!

>Sorry, but I am inclined to disagree with your blanket condemnation of
>"student" mouthpieces. Most are designed to have very neutral
>characteristics: medium lay, medium bore, and should be perfectly
>playable
>by most people, assuming they are not chipped up.

I guess I should clarify: the students in question have been playing
hand-me-down instruments, and I think the problem with their mouthpieces
in some cases has been condition.

I do know I have played several manufacturer's-stamp mouthpieces, both on
saxophone and clarinet, and found them to be a particular breed of
horrid. I'm sure it's not universal, but it is something I am very
suspicious of.

>I've been
>>telling them to get Vandoren B45s, and pointing them to
>>Woodwind/Brasswind at about $50 plus shipping.
>>
>How about giving us local retailers a crack at some of the business,
>eh?

Well, I do, Bill. I encourage them to patronize the local store wherever
possible, and I do the same. I had been steering them to WW/BW on the B45
because the local store wanted $95 for the same mouthpiece. If the local
store is more competitive on the mouthpieces that have been mentioned
today, rest assured that I will lead them to it.