Klarinet Archive - Posting 000727.txt from 2000/07

From: Tski1128@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Single v. Double
Date: Thu, 20 Jul 2000 23:46:32 -0400

In a message dated 7/20/00 5:03:41 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
CmdrHerel@-----.com writes:

<< that one of the features of a double
lip embouchure is to put a lot of pressure to the top lip. >>

The main feature of the double lip embouchure is putting less pressure on the
reed. The reed in it's neutral position doesn't need any help from the lips
to vibrate, in fact the only thing you can do with your lips is inhibit the
reeds vibration. This is providing a mouthpiece of moderate dimensions, and a
reed of moderate strength. It has been my observation that the few double lip
players that I know, including my self, seem to gravitate toward medium type
equipment. The few times I've played single lippers equipment I was amazed at
how much "pressure" I had to use to get a sound out at all.

I was lucky enough to learn my embouchure from Iggy Gennusa, who after 30yrs
of playing I've never heard a more beautiful tone. In one lesson he told me
"You should be able to hold the clarinet up in a 5mph wind and a sound come
out." When I was a kid he would let me play his set up, I would bite the
thing closed with a double lip embouchure. He said that someday I would be
able to play a set up like his and I would be glad I could. In the 20yrs I
spent in the Field Band, I never had "bite" problems or fatigue from busting
my butt trying to get a sound out. In a 50 min. hora set with my klezmer band
my chops don't give out. So give up those "patches" and wrap that lip under,
take off those boards, and wait for a 5mph wind!!!

Tom Puwalski, The artist formerly known as Sarge, double lipper and proud!!!

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