Klarinet Archive - Posting 000735.txt from 1998/04

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Mouthpiece Information
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 07:52:47 -0400

On Tue, 14 Apr 1998, Daniel Lantis wrote:
> I'm a 9th grade Average to Above-Average clarinet player who will be
> attending High School next year and playing in the Marching Band. I have a
> Artley 17S clarinet with the original mouthpiece that came with it. Dietze
> Music (a local music store) says that I should buy a new mouthpiece as soon
> as possible. They suggested a Vandorean which would run $60-$70. I was
> wondering what other people think. Please send me your suggestions and how
> much it would cost. I would also like to know how big of improvement it
> would make in my skill, am I better off waiting until later in High School
> or investing in one now? Also, I'm looking for a good catalog company to
> order it from. I would greatly appreciate any assistance anyone could
> provide.

Daniel,

For about $20 less than the Vandoren, you can purchase a Clark Fobes
mouthpiece (student grade) that is exceptional. There is also the David
Hite Premiere as well as the more expensive Robert Scott hand faced
mouthpiece......you can order directly from Fobes or Scott, and the Hite
is available from any good musical supplier. The one that comes to mind
is Lisa Argeris' International Musical Suppliers at 1-800-762-1116.

It is very important for you to get the mouthpiece now instead of later.
You are already developing bad habits on the mouthpiece you currently own.

Good luck!

Roger Garrett
IWU