Klarinet Archive - Posting 000256.txt from 1999/08

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: Rubber v. Plastic
Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999 22:05:41 -0400

On Wed, 11 Aug 1999, Mark Weinstein wrote:
> We all know how we can pick out a mouthpiece, be directed to one, that works
> for US. NOW, you bring up the thought of RE-FACING v. buying another mpc.
>
> How is it known HOW the mouthpiece (5RV or other) should be changed ? Is
> this a case of the technician:
>
> 1) Knowing a general design that will work on the subject mouthpiece (or
> NOT)
>
> 2) One that fits the physical makeup of a particular clarinetists's
> embouchure. (ya'all have given me a COMPLEX on this word!), tonation and
> "wind" ?
>
> 3.) All of the above

Good question, and, short of another attack from Clark, I'll do the best I
can to respond.

If you play the mouthpiece and like it - use it. If you have the
mouthpiece and suspect it isn't working as well for you as it could, at
the very least, you can measure the following and have it easily adjusted:

curve/facing
tip rail/side rails
width of window opening (at tip and throat)
length of window opening
Depth of baffle

Much more difficult is the bore taper - which is what, based on what Clark
and others have said, is what those mouthpiece makers who have invested
time and money into research and tools do. They will turn out more
consistant mouthpieces - assuming those of use who do very bore work sell
every mouthpiece (some of us do not though).

Facing choices are often based on models of good mouthpieces. Kaspars are
frequently the model for curve measurements as are many other very fine
mouthpieces. By using mouthpiece blanks which the mouthpiece maker is
very familiar, he is able to create a fairly consistant mouthpiece simply
by matching measurements of the above parts of the mouthpiece. A person
will do best by playing for a mouthpiece maker and the maker can view and
hear the person's approach - allowing for changes in the above
measurements.

That's about it as far as "refacing" goes.
Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director - Concert Band, Symphonic Winds & Titan Band
Advisor - Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University

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