Klarinet Archive - Posting 000049.txt from 1999/06

From: "Dee D. Hays" <deehays@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] New member with a question
Date: Mon, 31 May 1999 22:43:51 -0400

-----Original Message-----
From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Date: Monday, May 31, 1999 6:41 PM
Subject: Re: [kl] New member with a question

>On Mon, 31 May 1999, Dee D. Hays wrote:
>> Right now I am in a rush so can only address one item. Profile 88 refers
>> strictly to the external contour of the mouthpiece. Vandoren makes
several
>> of their mouthpieces in the regular contour and in their Profile 88
version.
>> The latter is slimmer and for people with small mouths may permit them to
>> get a little more of the mouthpiece in their mouths a little easier.
Thus
>> it doesn't directly affect the tone.
>>
>> Dee Hays
>> Canton, SD
>
>Rarely do I find myself disagreeing with Dee. In this case however, the
>external dimensions and countour most certainly affect the quality of the
>tone and sound characteristics of the mouthpiece. In fact, some
>mouthpieces are very broad and flat in the beak while others, such as the
>Vandoren Profilee 88 are longer and more slender. By narrowing the
>material at the corners of the mouthpiece, the sound can actually be
>"darkened" or made a bit creamier. This is a standard technique in
>refacing.
____
>Roger Garrett
>Professor of Clarinet
>Director - Concert Band, Symphonic Winds & Titan Band
>Advisor - Recording Studio
>Illinois Wesleyan University

Is it really the contour directly (hard to believe) or indirect factors such
as how the player may perhaps be able to establish a more appropriate
embouchure more easily and and thus end up with a better sound or perhaps it
permits the reeds to respond better?

Dee Hays
Canton, SD

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