Klarinet Archive - Posting 001333.txt from 1999/03

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] clarinet mouthpeices
Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 08:33:16 -0500

On Thu, 25 Mar 1999, Mark Weinstein wrote:

> While I think I can appreciate a quality mouthpiece, I am no expert. I
> believe that there is a significant difference between the Borbeck
> mouthpieces you buy from My. Borbeck DIRECTLY and those you can buy at IMS,
> WWBW, or Weiner. I tried the #13 from IMS of which they had 2 in stock. I
> returned it.
[SNIP]
> So, when we speak about Borbecks, it would appears that a comparison of the
> mass-marketed to the "customs: produces an "apples 'n oranges" comparison
> ... or as I was told by Mr. Robert Borbeck ... "there is no comparison at
> all".

Mark's post was very interesting, and I enjoyed reading his report of what
Mr. Borbeck does in making and marketing his mouthpieces.

I snipped the post that was included below Mark's above - it was mine and
had to do with the measurements of Richard Hawkins' mouthpieces. I am
unsure of why Mark replied regarding Borbeck's mouthpieces when the post
had to do with Hawkins' mouthpiece?

Custom mouthpieces are great in that you can sit there and the mouthpiece
maker/facer will adjust the facing to better suit the player's needs. In
most instances, mouthpiece makers do not mess with the bore, baffle, or
side/tip rails once it gets to this stage. Hopefully, all Mr. Borbeck
does differently on the custom mouthpieces vs. the "mass produced"
mouthpieces is this kind of work?

Secrets, secrets, secrets! As Richard told me when I worked with him, the
technology is out there for anyone to make mouthpieces and/or face
mouthpieces. It's too bad the measurements and processes are kept secret
by a few. Everyone else has to relearn - can you imagine where the car
industry would be today if that had been the case??? Hmmmm.....maybe that
was a bad choice of analogies!! LOL.

RG
Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director - Concert Band, Symphonic Winds & Titan Band
Advisor - Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org

   
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org