Klarinet Archive - Posting 000947.txt from 2000/03

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: specific mouthpieces for reeds?
Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2000 07:03:22 -0500

At 05:19 PM 3/28/2000 -0800, Jayne Marquess wrote:
> I know this information is probably somewhere in the archives, but
>I have tried very unsuccessfully to search before so I'm being lazy. I
>was at a jazz workshop over the weekend and the sax instructor was
>saying that reeds are made to fit specific mouthpieces and won't sound
>right on others. Is this true and how can you tell? He was saying if you
>slip a piece of paper between the reed and mouthpiece you can tell where
>your lip should be. For me this would be about an inch of mouthpiece
>Is something wrong with my mouthpiece? I think it sounds fine with less,
>but?????? If anyone feels like replying I would appreciate it. Maybe I
>should just buy one of those clarinet books. Is this information
>included?
>
Like most blanket statements, partly true, partly false. Some brands of
reeds do work better with some brands of mouthpieces, usually due to the
length of the cut matching the mouthpiece's window. Strength of reed that
will work best depends on length of facing (distance between that point
where the reed and mouthpiece separate and the tip) and how open the facing
is at the tip, as well as your own embouchure. General rules: Larger tip
opening - softer reed; longer facing - stiffer reed.

The mouth placement suggestion the instructor gave you is basically
correct. With too little mouthpiece in your mouth and thus too little reed
vibrating, your tone will be relatively small and pinched. If that seems
like too much in your mouth, try a mouthpiece with a shorter facing.

Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
Essexville, MI 48732 http://homepages.go.com/~zoot14/zoot14.html
ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.

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