Klarinet Archive - Posting 000069.txt from 2000/02

From: David Glenn <notestaff@-----.de>
Subj: [kl] Mouthpieces, was How DID you learn saxophone
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2000 16:55:53 -0500

"Frederick S. Sterns" wrote:

> >"Frederick S. Sterns" wrote:
> >
> >- snip -
> >
> >> ...now, howver, when baritone sax is my "main axe" and bass clarinet my
> >> "principal double," I tend to use the same "composite embouchure" for both
> >> instruments...it works! Maybe because I'm using very open mouthpieces,
> >> quite similar in design, with the same strength but diffferent brand
> >> reeds...
> >
> >++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> >
> >That sounds kinda wierd to me. I'm playing a lot of bari-sax at the moment and
> >some bass clarinet. I see the *differences* more now. Both mouthpieces are
> >rather close (Rasher sax with #4 reeds/Wurlitzer German bass clar. mouthpiece)
> >Playing the Nixon Opera, there are several passages which require secure
> >attacks
> >in the lowest notes. Really, it's soooo different than bass clarinet!
>
> ..."weird" maybe to you...but I speak the truth.
>
> ...my guess is, the differences in our respective experiences has to do
> with the mouthpiece openings. I find it easy to get prompt, good sounding,
> low notes on the bari sax [C, B, Bb, and A] with an open mouthpiece [.110]
> and softer reeds [Rico Jazz 3 1/2] using a "modified" clarinet embouchure.
> [My bass clarinet mouthpiece is a Bay m-o+-m and I use either a Medium
> Fibracell or Vandoren 3s.]
>
> ...a close mouthpiece [bari sax] and a harder reed may not offer the same
> flexibility...
>
> ...you might want to experiment...it may offer a new perspective. Fred S.
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Always! But this is one direction I feel no inclination towards going at the
moment. I went through so many sax mouthpieces before I finally, by chance, found
an old mouthpiece with a large, round chamber in Lucerne a few years back. Finally,
I found my way home! It was like getting to know the German clarinet mouthpieces. I
was suddenly home. I am definitely made for close lays....

David

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