Klarinet Archive - Posting 000577.txt from 1998/01

From: EbKlarinet <EbKlarinet@-----.com>
Subj: Re: right-hand position and mpcs
Date: Sun, 11 Jan 1998 23:26:12 -0500

Dear Gary: For the right hand problem, I have my students think about curving
their fingers as they put them down. I say, "down and in", and that helps to
cover the holes. This position is difficult to acheive if their thumb is too
far under the thumbrest, so have them slide out their thumb, and then try the
'down and in' thing. Almost every one of my students who trys this finds that
it really does help them have cleaner RH technique, although they find it a
little strange at first.
As for a decent mpc, the Woodwind Company's K series, which Tom Ridenour
designed, are excellent, and MUCH more consistent than Vandoren. B45's have a
tip opening of 1.195, which is practically a jazz facing! Also, according to
Tom, that tip opening number can range between 1.15 and 1.23. This is just
not acceptable in this age of technology. They also don't finish buffing the
inside of these mpcs, so I really recommend that, even if you decide against
the K series (the 10M is the most popular facing), you should get away from
the B45 syndrome, and try something else. Hope this is of some use to you.
Elise