Klarinet Archive - Posting 000593.txt from 2000/10

From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical Facings
Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2000 15:51:35 -0400

At 10:47 AM 10/11/2000 -0700, you wrote:
> <><> Clark Fobes wrote:
>asymmetrical and symmetrical facings
>
> For those of us who are beginners, how does the amount of
>*intentional* asymmetry on an asymmetrical mouthpiece compare to the
>amount of *unintentional* asymmetry on a less expensive intermediate
>grade of hand finished symmetrical mouthpiece?
>
>(sorry for so many adjectives, but I'm trying to ask a specific
>question)

Not a bad question really.

Occassionally, even though the intent is to make a symetrical facing, the
asymetrical happens. Because people who face by hand tend to test their
mouthpieces while making them, if a slight departure from the symmetry
causes no problem, we just leave the "mistake".

In a purposefully skewed facing however, the daprture from asymmetry is
quite severe comparatively. For example, if you are familiar with the
numbers on a standard Brand guage, a fairly standard medium facing is:

tip 1.12
6
12
22
34

the numbers below the tip opening represent an equal measurement left to
right with a feeler gauge.

Now, in some cases, a person will accidentally get:

tip 1.12
6
12
22
35 34

Not a huge problem.

But the purposeful asymmetrical facing might be:

tip 1.20
10 8
16 14
28 26
38 40

Notice the numbers deviate by two with the longer curve on the left UNTIL
the final number (that point at which the reed departs from the flat table)
and the curve is actually shorter on the left.

This facing does not in any way take into account the taper of the bore,
the baffle, the window dimensions, nor the thickness in tip rail and side
rails. But it should illustrate the difference between intentional and
unintentional. Keep in mind it is only one example.

Sincerely,
Roger Garrett

Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director, Symphonic Winds
Head, Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University
School of Music
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
(309) 556-3268

"A man never discloses his own character so clearly as when he describes
another's."
Jean Paul Richter (1763-1825)

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