Klarinet Archive - Posting 001356.txt from 1999/03

From: reedman@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Mouthpiece making is not a black art
Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 17:00:55 -0500

I was interested by Dave's comments. This is just a small part:

"In the retail business, precision, consistency, and a
scientific approach are needed --- my method would not be suitable. Making
mouthpieces is part art, part science, and part luck."

Dave Spiegelthal
Calverton, VA

I just don't agree with the "luck" part, Dave. You may find that if you
begin to make careful measurements of what you are doing you will eliminate
the happenstance which you perceive as luck.

Another aspect of mouthpiece making that is almost completely ignored by
people who are into refacing is the bore. I feel that the bore is the
foundation of a good mouthpiece. The relationship of the bore to the
chamber dictates the available color and tonal character AND intonation.
Mouthpieces have a very high rate of inconsistency in bore specifications
which adds a real wild card element to any refacing work.

It required only about 10 years of work and an investment of about $2,000
in various bore reamers to develop a consistent method for working on my
bores. I use 4 different reamers to achieve an ideal bore (for me).

Tip openings and facing #'s really have very little meaning unless you know
something about the interior dimensions of a mouthpiece. Facing a
mouthpiece well is perhaps the aspect that requires the greatest skill, but
it is only a portion of the larger picture. This is why you depend on some
"luck" to come up with a really good mouthpiece.

Dave, if you find this interesting and you enjoy the work then I would
encourage you to start measuring what you do, keep a log and develop a more
scientific approach.

Clark W Fobes

Clark W Fobes
Web Page http://www.sneezy.org/clark_fobes

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