Klarinet Archive - Posting 000315.txt from 1999/03

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] To B or not to B....
Date: Fri, 5 Mar 1999 09:50:47 -0500

On Fri, 5 Mar 1999 Barb073@-----.com wrote:
> I'm testing two Vandoren mouthpieces, the B44 and B45. On the 44, I'm getting
> a responsive, but thin, sound with a good altissimo register response. On the
> 45, I'm getting a delightfully rich, full sound, but the alt. register does
> not respond as readily. My clarinet is a late '60's Leblanc LL, recently
> overhauled, and I'm using a standard Rovner ligature. Dental problems prevent
> me from using reeds stiffer than 2 - 2.5.
>
> Now for the main question: is there a compromise mp out there that will give
> me the 44's high register response and the 45's nice sound without going to a
> stiffer reed?

Classic trade-off: More open, longer faced mouthpiece with a softer reeds
gives a bigger, more rhobust sound - but sacrifices response. The larger
tone is also harder to control - and requires strong chops.

Consider moving to a mouthpiece that is between the 1.14 and the 1.19 tip
of the mouthpieces you are trying - perhaps a 1.18. The Vandoren 5RV Lyre
refaces nicely - much better than the B45 - but has that nice sound you
are looking for. You might also consider buying a Zinner blank (over 1mm)
from Lisa Argeris at International Musical Suppliers ($30 for the blank)
and have someone face it to a specific tip opening for you. You will pay
about $50 less for an equivalent mouthpiece.

Other options - try Genussa, Portonoy, and Gigliotti mouthpieces (stock).
Other than that, get a hold of Clark Fobes and see if he has a B45ish
type mouthpiece he recommends - you will pay for it - but his workmanship
is absolutely top-of-the-line - and as they say in the construction
business, you get what you pay for.
Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director - Concert Band, Symphonic Winds & Titan Band
Advisor - Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University

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