Klarinet Archive - Posting 000647.txt from 1999/11

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Facings
Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 14:30:58 -0500

Dave Sandusky asked:

<<<I am on the hunt for a new mouthpiece.>>>

As you noted, there is no "perfect mouthpiece" for orchestral playing (or
anything else). As a gross generalization, however, most professional
symphony dudes and dudettes use a custom-faced mouthpiece -- although there
are certainly those who use Vandoren M13s and the ilk. For every
non-student mouthpiece marketed, there is probably someone making money
playing it (and sounding great).

Apparently, it's hard to machine consistent facings on hard rubber.
Consequently, some argue that you're better off having one done by hand. It
helps if the maker is also a good clarinet player -- they tend to know
better what to look for.

Fortunately, there are a bunch of fine players who are fussy about their
mouthpieces and also willing to share their fussiness with us. Many are on
this list, but will probably be reluctant to proffer shameless plugs for
their stuff. I recommend that you search sneezy for folks like Jim Pyne,
Clark Fobes, Dan Johnston, Richard Hawkins, Roger Garrett and/or Walt
Grabner -- all make pieces that professionals swear by, and can set you up.

My own personal favorite is Greg Smith. Unless, of course, you live in
Seattle; in that case you should use the Vandoren 5JB for all orchestral
auditions. <g>

kjf

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