Klarinet Archive - Posting 000668.txt from 2001/05

From: Rhea Jacobs <rhea-j@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] E-flat mouthpieces and ligatures (and thanks for earlier help)
Date: Sat, 26 May 2001 14:34:42 -0400

I haven't found anything about this problem I'm having either in the
list mail I've got on my computer or in the archives, so I'd appreciate
it if anyone has any help.

I've recently acquired an E-flat soprano clarinet which came with a
Selmer mouthpiece (I don't know which opening). I bought an inverted
Bonade ligature like the one I use on my B-flat clarinet. When I tried
it both on the Selmer mouthpiece and on the Vandoren B44 I was planning
to use on the horn, it wasn't big enough to leave space for the reed (a
perfectly normal Rico Royal). To my surprise, the standard ligature that
was enclosed with the clarinet had the same problem. I could actually
get a reed onto the mouthpiece, but the screws couldn't be tightened
enough to prevent rattling!

Since all the parts involved are standard-issue new or recent, I was
pretty surprised at the problem Has anyone else encountered it? Does
anyone have suggestions for a slightly larger inverted ligature? (My
teacher prefers inverted metal ligatures, and I've found no reason yet
to distrust her judgment. I won't see her for another week, though.

------------

Meanwhile, thanks for all the suggestions and encouragement from
everyone who replied both privately and on-list to my earlier call for
help about my weak embouchure muscles. Many of you had very helpful
suggestions, and by splitting my practice into multiple sessions, I've
been able to get my total usable practice time up to an hour a day,
which is enough to allow me to feel that I'm progressing. (My teacher
agrees and has allowed me to start working on the Weber Concertino. When
I can play it to my satisfaction, I'll be approaching the level at which
I stopped playing.)

I especially appreciated the word that I'm not alone among other older
players having this problem. It's made it much easier to be patient and
to keep working without overdoing it.

This list is a wonderful resource, and I thank Mark for maintaining it.

A good Memorial Day weekend to all U.S. listmembers, and Happy Weekend
to everyone,
Rhea Jacobs
rhea-j@-----.net

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