Klarinet Archive - Posting 000149.txt from 2001/11

From: "CLARK FOBES " <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Mouthpiece life span
Date: Sat, 3 Nov 2001 17:43:25 -0500

I seriously doubt that the relatively subtle changes of temperature
that mouthpieces are exposed to will change the way they play. There are
three important factors that affect mouthpieces longevity.

1. material
2. original table shape
3. build up of salts on mouthpiece

Wood mouthpieces are the most subject to change due to moisture and
warpage. I suspect that wood mouthpieces are always in a state of relative
flux.

Metal or crystal mouthpieces have the slightest degree of change over
time (as one would suspect). Acrylic mouthpieces show very little wear
change over time.

Hard rubber mouthpieces are a blend of rubber and other materials and,
depending on the mix , will have varying degrees of hardness. Sulphur is an
agent used in rubber mouthpieces to make them hard. As mouthpieces age the
sulphur begins to migrate out (this results in the slight gray or olive
green color of older mouthpieces). As the sulphur migrates out the rubber
becomes softer and less stable. Some players insist that the "old rubber"
sounds better. It may be that they like the warmth of rubber that has aged
and become less resilient.

Depending on the relative "hardness" of your mouthpiece (this can be
measured with a gauge called a Durometer) it will have greater or lesser
resistance to change over time. A common problem with most older mouthpieces
(or soft rubber) is that the facings become longer over time just from the
beating of the reed. Mouthpiece rail can "cave in" over time also due to
the action of the beating reed. I have occasionally seen mouthpiece that
have warped substantially from ligatures that have been constantly over
tightened.

In my opinion, the most common factor that causes perceptible changes in
mouthpieces is the original table design. If a table does not have a slight
dip the fulcrum point ( point where the facing breaks away from flat) is
never distinct and becomes less so very quickly. Mouthpieces that are humped
like this never have a chance at remaining good mouthpieces over time.

Finally, the build up of salts (that white stuff) can radically change a
mouthpiece. Build up on the sides is not particularly critical, but build up
on the rails or inside the tip rail will drastically change the way a
mouthpiece plays. As it builds up it is very hard and difficult to remove. I
automatically wipe off the facing of my mouthpieces when I finish playing.

What was the question? Oh yes, how long before a mouthpiece needs to be
refaced.
That depends completely on the combination of the above factors, how often
you play and how well you take care of your mouthpiece.

Common problems from a mouthpiece that has changed:

1. will not accept a wide variety of reeds
2. feels unresponsive
3. squeaks
4. quirky intonation

A piece of advice when considering refacing a mouthpiece. NEVER change
the mouthpiece you are playing until you have found a suitable back-up that
you know you could perform on instead of "Old Faithful". This is known
around here as the "first rule of Dufford".

Clark W Fobes

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