Klarinet Archive - Posting 000884.txt from 1999/12

From: Daniel Leeson <leeson0@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] The first FAQ - mouthpieces
Date: Sun, 26 Dec 1999 16:55:34 -0500

I am waiting until everyone gets back from vacation to begin
soliciting input on what I hope will be the first FAQ, namely one
on mouthpieces. I chose this as the first one because I think the
subejct is manageable and it will teach us all how to submit and
gather data for such an item.

I also suggest it because it is a subject about which I know almost
nothing. Therefore, I can make no intelligent contribution but act
only as a synthesizer of the ideas of others.

That does not mean that I do not have ideas on content and organization.
On the contrary, I am going to suggest what everyone who wants to
contribute should say.

First I think we need a broad statement on the importance of the
mouthpiece to clarinet playing. I have heard others say that it does
not matter what kind of an interstrument you have as long as the
mouthpiece is the best one you can get for yourself. And I think that
this idea needs to be up front, clearly stated, and precisely
articulated.

Next I want a second on mouthpiece measurements. What are they and
what do they do for the end product. And if I were going to buy a
mouthpiece what do I need to confirm these important measurement?

Next I want to speak to media: composite, hard rubber, glass, wood,
etc. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each. Maybe some
don't matter; i.e., who uses wooden mouthpieces and where could one
buy one?

Next I want a fairly comprehensive list of mouthpiece makers along
with address/urls/email addresses/contact locations, etc.

Next I want some material on the care of mouthpieces.

Next I want to speak to E-flat, C, and bass clarinet mouthipieces.

Finally I want to be able to say something about mouthpieces that
come with the clarinet when it is bought.

This should not be a recommendation of which mouthipieces (by brand
name) should or should not be bought. Rather, what is out there,
what the general wisdom is, etc.

I don't think I want to talk about mouthpieces which are no longer
being made. This is a FAQ for someone who comes on the list and
says, "I need some advice about a mouthpiece," the very kinds of
questions that are asked again and again on this list.

It the response is not rich enough, I am not going to conclude on this
topic. And if that is the case, then maybe there is insufficient
interest in having a collection of FAQs dealing with these topics.

--
Dan Leeson
leeson0@-----.net

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