Klarinet Archive - Posting 000391.txt from 2001/10

From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] This list
Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2001 04:26:23 -0400

At 12:08 PM 10/12/01 -0400, you wrote:
>I'm just curious so I can better answer these guys who insist that they need
>to know your mouthpiece facing in order to give you an answer.
>
>Robert

Robert,

Different people may feel comfortable giving a response with less
information than I asked Josh for. There is nothing wrong with
that. However, if I was to give an answer without the information I feel
would be helpful in determining the answer, I wouldn't be doing Josh much
good I'm afraid. You (or someone who posted - Karl perhaps?) said one
thing that was very, very good - and that is that without hearing Josh
play, it would be very difficult to determine what he should do. The
mouthpiece brand/facing/tip is just one piece of the puzzle that will help
determine a good answer for Josh.

More information is always a good thing - thus, my original request for
facing/curve/brand. As I mentioned earlier - on Eb clarinet - this is
often more critical than with Bb clarinet mouthpieces. I think Walter
aluded to that as well.

I don't necessarily agree that a mouthpiece change is in order just because
the reed feels hard - but it would be nice to adapt the best possible
brand/strength to the existing mouthpiece. There are a few people who may
have played on the very same mouthpiece Josh is playing on and can help.

That's about it. I'm sure your students play well and that your answer
will probably be very good for Josh. I'm just trying to present the
position that not all of us might feel comfortable giving an answer without
more information.

Best wishes,
Roger Garrett

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