Klarinet Archive - Posting 000213.txt from 2001/09
From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] Mouthpieces and reed longevity
Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2001 04:43:12 -0400
At 04:11 PM 9/6/01 -0400, you wrote:
>I am a bit unclear here- are you saying that reeds would last longer on a
>tip opening of 1.12+ ?
Ed,
I was agreeing with Tony's point regarding the tip opening on a closer
facing showing the kinds of problems with fatigue some reeds show that tend
not to be a problem with a more open facing. In that context, I believe a
player will not notice a problem with reed fatigue more quickly with a more
open mouthpiece than with a more closed mouthpiece. That doesn't mean the
reed lasts longer on the more open mouthpiece - just that the player is
less likely to be annoyed as quickly by it than with a more closed
mouthpiece. Tony has already given an example of how he deals with that
kind of problem.
>It may be that there were other issues present, but for a period of time
>years ago, I played an asymmetrical mouthpiece. I had trouble finding
>reeds for it and getting reeds to last. Then again, it may be that I was
>trying to get something out of this mouthpiece that was going against this
>mouthpiece's natural tendency, so the struggle actually was not what it
>seemed.
Getting reeds to "snap" on a symmetrical mouthpiece as compared to an
asymmetrical mouthpiece is a different issue than how long a reed may last
on either one. If a person is not particularly adept at reed adjustment
for one or the other (and I'm not suggesting that you were not - just a
general comment here), reed life could be diminished - but not because of
the mouthpiece - it would be an "end user" issue! In other words, some
people enjoy what they interpret as fewer reed problems and greater
longevity in the reeds on which they perform when they use an asymmetrical
mouthpiece - perhaps because they are just better at reed adjustment on a
symmetrical mouthpiece than they are on an asymmetrical mouthpiece. I like
my asymmetrical mouthpiece, and I have not experience adjustment problems
on either it or a symmetrical mouthpiece.
>An old teacher of mine once told me that he felt a good mouthpiece was one
>that would accept a lot of reeds (given that pitch, response, etc are all
>within the accepted parameters). I guess reed friendly might be a good
>term for it. To be clear, I think that you want a mouthpiece that can
>allow you to do the job with a variety of reeds as opposed a mouthpiece
>that plays well only "when I get the right reed".
I agree Ed. But some people have more comfort on an asymmetrical
mouthpiece than a symmetrical mouthpiece - primarily because of their
playing style. Those who use a lot of embouchure pressure in their playing
may have an easier time of it than someone who uses a lighter setup and
lighter approach to the face. Of course - these are VERY general
statements - and I would be the last person to say that they are
absolutes. I guess I am trying to suggest that a person is not necessarily
going to notice a problem with reed life on an asymmetrical mouthpiece any
more than someone will with a symmetrical mouthpiece - depending on the way
they play - which isn't much help as a general rule. That's why
statements like, "asymmetrical mouthpieces seem to negatively affect the
longevity of a reed more than those mouthpieces with symmetrical facings,"
while thoughtful, seem misguided and incorrect to me. By the way, I'm not
quoting anyone - I am simply using quote marks to show a fictional
statement as an example.
In my opinion, every person has a style of playing and an approach to
fundamental playing characteristics, that dictates what kind of setup works
best for them - including symmetrical or asymmetrical mouthpieces. Some
people can play on both - some on only one. Reeds work differently on each
style of mouthpiece - but their "useful life" - the basic length of time
one will last before showing negative characteristics - is not changed by
virtue of the mouthpiece - rather, I am asserting it is changed by virtue
of a person's ability, inability, or simple preference in playing on the
setup. It is the person who affects the reed life - not the mouthpiece (in
this context).
I don't know if this helps clarify what I wrote as compared to what I meant
Ed. Any further questions, please let me know!
Best wishes,
Roger Garrett
Roger Garrett
Clarinet Professor
Director, Symphonic Winds
Advisor, Recording Services
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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