Klarinet Archive - Posting 000258.txt from 2001/07

From: "David McClune" <dmcclune@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re:Mouthpieces recommendations - worth??
Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 04:57:44 -0400

Mouthpieces...

I will applaud Roger for putting his neck out on the latest discussion =
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of Mouthpieces. The major makers, Vandoren, Selmer, Woodwind, put out =3D
large qualities of MP at fair prices (at least at the discounted prices). =
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(Some brands do have more control problems) =3D20

I understand, from strong grape vine conversations, that the major private =
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makers throw out many mouthpieces that are not at their quality level. =
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That lose of materials and time involved with hand facing, hand reaming =
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bores, and hand modifying chambers all contribute to the $150-200 prices. =
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Are they worth it...to advanced players, yes. =3D20

Like Roger and Walter Grabner, I have a side line (smaller than them) of =
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refacing and 'making' mouthpieces. Once the facing is done, about 1/3 of =
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my work is complete. Then you play the MP and do various "things" to the =
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chamber, rails edges, transitions and then slightly modify the original =
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facing to make the MP sing. When it plays great, I stop. That takes my =
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time and your money. Otherwise just play on a totally machined mouthpiece =
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and take your chances! Do hand faced and finished mouthpieces play =3D
better... most advanced players think so. =3D20

Buy a stock MP (Vandoren, Selmer, Gigliotti, etc) and have one of us =3D
refinish it, you might be surprised how much better they play. My =3D
favorite the past month is a 20+ year old French hard rubber BUNDY #3 =3D
which I rebored, refaced, refinished. It sounds and plays wonderfully. I =
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played a short recital on it today and the other professional clarinet =3D
player there was stunned. =3D20

However not every mouthpiece style works with every player. Otherwise, =
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what would we complain about...if it were not for inconsistent reeds and =
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mouthpieces!

Cheers,

David

Dr. David McClune
Professor of Woodwinds
Director of Bands
Union University
Jackson, TN 38305

office-901-661-5294

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