Klarinet Archive - Posting 000165.txt from 2001/11

From: "Gregory Smith" <Gregory@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Re: Mouthpiece life span
Date: Sun, 4 Nov 2001 12:29:34 -0500

Clark Fobes said:

"I seriously doubt that the relatively subtle changes of temperature
that mouthpieces are exposed to will change the way they play. "

Then went on to say:

"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."
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There are generalizations about the above second statement that I =
believe are in need of clarification. As one with much experience making =
and playing hardwood mouthpieces of all different varieties I find the =
above statement true but perhaps open to misinterpretation.=20

All things being relative, hard rubber and crystal can be and usually =
are RELATIVELY more stable materials than hardwood. But practically =
speaking, well made hardwood mouthpieces have proven more than stable =
enough over time for the purposes of professional performance. When =
properly taken care of (with no exposure to *dramatic* changes in =
temp.or humidity, swabbing of the moisture when finished, and leaving =
the reed OFF of the facing while in storage) I have not experienced =
hardwood mouthpiece warpage any more than with hard rubber.

The suspicion about a stated "relative state of flux" is on a practical =
level, inconsequential. With mine and my clients extensive experience =
playing hardwood mouthpieces I can assure you that by using the highest =
playing standards relating to the stability of both feel and intonation, =
sound quality, or any other measure - again, practically speaking - =
hardwood mouthpieces are suitable and quite stable for the purposes of =
professional performance.

All of this is of course predicated on the quality of the hardwood being =
used to make the mouthpiece. Control and treatment of the material =
regarding the aging and drying process, the age and quality of the =
material, etc, all play into the success or failure of not only the =
playing characteristics of the mouthpiece but also its "relative" =
stability.

Additionally, each type of material has it's own unique sound =
characteristics be it hard rubber, crystal, acrylic, or hardwood.=20

Gregory Smith
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Mouthpiece Handcraftsman
=
2737 Hurd Avenue
Evanston, Illinois. 60201-1209 USA
1.847.866.8331
1.847.866.9551 (fax)
Email: Gregory@-----.com (NEW)
Website: www.gregory-smith.com
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