Klarinet Archive - Posting 000195.txt from 2002/05

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Crystal Mouthpieces
Date: Tue, 7 May 2002 22:23:07 -0400

At 07:42 PM 5/7/2002 -0400, Robert wrote:
>I noticed that Jon Manasse plays on a crystal mouthpiece and has a wonderful
>sound (to me, at least). Anyone have any reason why to avoid using a
>crystal mouthpiece (besides breakage). I had used a crystal mouthpiece for
>about 6 months in highschool and really thought that the sound was more even
>from note to note than my 2RV and B45 at the time. I also thought that it
>lacked projection in comparison as well. I would certainly appreciate your
>views on the crystal mouthpieces and experiences.

I have an O'Brien crystal I don't use much lately. It has an excellent
altissimo register and very even scale, but lacks punch in the
chalumeau. I always joke that it has a very "clear" sound, but it is
really mostly true! Breakage is only a problem if you drop them, just like
with hard rubber ones. Aside from that, the material is very resistant to
changes due to wear or atmospheric conditions. I find it uncomfortable to
play one without a mouthpiece patch because it is so hard and cold.

>And for you pedantic souls, I know that they are not really made of crystal.
>Now that that is out of the way, I would love to hear other relevant views.
>Also, which ones would you recommend?

Maybe they are just regular glass, but I consider mine to be
crystal. There are also some clear acrylic mouthpieces out there, but they
are NOT to be considered crystal mouthpieces just because you can see
through them.

Bill Hausmann bhausmann1@-----.net
451 Old Orchard Drive
Essexville, MI 48732 ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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