Klarinet Archive - Posting 000256.txt from 1998/07

From: Jack Kissinger <kissingerjn@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: [kl] Bass Clarinet Mouthpieces
Date: Sat, 11 Jul 1998 08:03:32 -0400

Hi Amy,

As other posters have already noted, individuals (and their instruments) and
mouthpieces differ on so many parameters (physical and emotional ;^) ) that
one size mouthpiece does not fit all and there is no universal best. IMHO,
the best strategy is to try a wide variety and find what suits you. So far
I have seen recommendations that you try the mouthpiece that came with the
instrument (though I assume you have already done that if, indeed, the
instrument came with a mouthpiece -- I also assume you have already tried
your Vandoren), all the Selmers, Hite, Fobes, Bay, Pomarico, and Borbeck --
good possibilities all. I could add Mitchell Lurie to the list and we still
wouldn't have exhausted the alternatives.

If "leave for Indiana in the fall" means going to Indiana University, you
will shortly be fairly close to the Woodwind and the Brasswind. They
usually have a wide selection in stock. Unless you live near a store with
good prices and selection and unless the mouthpiece you have now is a total
dog, why not use it for the time being and wait until you're at Indiana and
make a day (or weekend) excursion. Take your bass, another clarinetist and
a copy of Ed Lacy's instructions for selecting a mouthpiece (search the
Sneezy archives under Lacy and mouthpiece and the message should come up --
but I don't know if you really need to try 81 ;^) ) and have a ball.
(WW&BW will undoubtedly charge some kind of nominal sterilization fee if you
try a large number but the cost will be worth it if you find something you
like.)

Best regards,
Jack Kissinger
Envious in St. Louis

Donald Walkner wrote:

> Dear Klarinet Members~~
>
> I recently became the owner of a beautiful 1970's low C Selmer bass
> clarinet. I was wondering (I know this has been covered before) on what
> sort of mouthpieces bass players out there would recommend. On my old
> Noblet I used a Vandoren B44. I have heard that a Selmer C* is a good
> combination. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. I have to get
> back into playing before I leave for Indiana in the fall!! Thanks!
>
> ~~Amy~~
>
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