Klarinet Archive - Posting 000576.txt from 2000/01
From: "Jim Youngman" <youngman@-----.au>
Subj: [kl] Mouthpiece FAQ = Mouthpiece Preferences
Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2000 17:39:52 -0500
Clearly the judgement over what constitutes a good mouthpiece will vary in
part according to the sound preferences of the individual. I don't have the
experience or knowledge to be able to pick one unaided, although I know a
good sound when I hear a competent musician playing. This is why I look
forward to the FAQ.
But -- if an individual mouthpieces with the maker's logo masked were to be
tried by a panel, as in wine tasting, would there be some sort of agreement
coming out? If not, the question is not worth pursuing. Clearly different
people will have different responses to the question "Is a Van Doren B45
good?" At least, from my understanding of previous discussion on the list,
the Van Dorens are mass produced. Naturally there will be variations within
tolerances set by the manufacturer, and it seems that these variations are
sufficient to make a big difference. This, if nothing else, will give rise
to a variety of experiences with the Van Doren B45. (NB In the forgoing
substitute any brand and model for Van Doren B45).
My question is, pursuing the analogy to wine tasting: Is it possible to say
something akin to "I don't like that bottle of wine because I don't like the
traminer grape, but I can tell it is a good wine and has been well matured."
Perhaps something like, and I may betray my naivete here, "I don't like that
Van Doren B45 Serial Number CX123456 because it sounds a bit jazzy, but it
plays well and a lot of people will like it especially for 19th century
chamber works."
If that much can be established and the data suggested by Walter Grabner
with my extensions can be collected, then statistical analysis of the
results might reveal some useful information. There is a lot of knowledge
and wisdom on this list, it would be good to pull some of it together if we
can.
Cheers,
Jim
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Jim Youngman
19 Portsmouth Street, Heathmont VIC 3135, Australia
Phone: +61 3 9893 1029 Fax: +61 3 9870 0636
mailto:youngman@-----.au
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teenei te tangata puuhuruhuru
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