Klarinet Archive - Posting 000073.txt from 2001/06

From: "Tony Wakefield" <tony-wakefield@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Hello
Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2001 14:50:23 -0400

"Deb B" <canbobfixit@-----.com>

> I do have a small and very simple question to ask (it's a little
> embarrassing to tell the truth, considering all the complex and highly
> intellectual conversations you all seem to be having, but.....). At the
the
> moment I am playing on a Buffet E13 Clarinet, but I can't seem to decide
on
> a mouthpiece. I've been playing on a 5RV, but I then tried the Vandoren
> B45., and although it's nicer to play and I prefer the tone, the tuning's
> not as good as the 5RV. Any advice?

Debbie,
Not immediately in your neck of the woods is Dawkes Music, in Maidenhead,
Berkshire (Just the other side of Slough and Windsor). Their phone number is
01628 630 800. And web site: www.dawkes.co.uk E-mail sales@-----.uk
They have a technician whose name is Anton Weinberg. In conjunction with
Windcraft, his advice is (I reckon anyway) to be most valuable. His section
of the shop is designated for mouthpieces only. He also has on display his
own museum of strange and very old m/p`s. I have been playing on a B45 spot,
and some aspects of my twelfths being narrow I was not happy with. I have
now in fact changed my set up to also include the profile 88 design, which
Vandoren introduced about 5/6? years ago. This is where the beak of the m/p
is made in manufacture to a smaller angle to facilitate more comfort within
the mouth. I went to try this new shape not knowing how I would feel about
it.

It did indeed give me more comfort and I`m now, after two weeks, very happy
with this design.

He also introduced me to his own design of mouthpiece, which is really why
he is there at the shop. They do not have the profile shape, but after
trying these m/p`s I did eventually choose one, which he then re-shaped to
the profile for me. The m/p`s are £55 each and my profile adjustment cost
another £15.

Now what I`m about to suggest has not yet been discussed yet on klarinet. If
as you say, you have not been doing too much practise recently due to your A
levels, why don`t you think about this:- - - When they are out of the way
and you`ve had a couple of weeks rest, start to get your embouchure back in
some sort of shape, (serious shape) on the Bb, before searching round for
another Bb m/p. Your mouth will then be more ably equipped to handle the
rigours of blowing on several strange m/p`s in the intense couple of hours
you will need to spend in the shop.

In addition, Anton will always be there (phone first to ensure that) to help
advise you when and if you decide on a visit. Do think seriously about this.
And of course do speak to your teacher also.

I settled on the "Soloist" M 1 Gold Mk 11 in the end and I`m over the moon.
There are four to choose from plus one for jazz. He has them all within a
booklet explaining what he is and what he`s done - a personal citation from
the White House Commission on Education awarded by George Bush. And he
features on all the Star Wars soundtracks, Jaws, Superman etc. so he`s got a
few years of knowledge inside of his fingers.

You`ve got the phone no. Ask him to post one of his m/p booklets to you.
They are free. Have a chat to him whilst you`re on the phone.

In the final analysis tho` Debbie, I think you`ll probably understand that
your clarinet, the E13 <is> most certainly an intermediate student
instrument, and however hard you try with m/p`s, you may always have one or
two small intonation problems. If you were to move to music college (which I
know might be pure speculation in view of what I observe from your exam
subjects) you would need to up-grade.

Happy hunting.

Best,

Tony W.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org