Klarinet Archive - Posting 000448.txt from 2002/09

From: "David S. Naden" <dnaden@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] Question about Woodwind Company mouthpieces
Date: Sat, 21 Sep 2002 18:53:17 -0400

Kelly--

I have to take issue with your statement that "us" professionals change
mouthpieces often. You may, but I think you are the exception and not the
norm.

I played Borbeck mouthpieces exclusively from approximately 1982 through
approximately 1994. Specifically the TFA model through 1982/83 followed by
the Antares II. The only time I changed was if I got a new copy of the
mouthpiece.

>From 1994/95 on, I continue to play exclusively on Greg Smith mouthpieces.
I have both the 1* and the 1+ models (I think that is the system he uses),
and while I do prefer one over the other, they are both very close in
dimensions, and sound produced. With the exception of having to replace
them when my clarinets were stolen, I have not changed mouthpieces.

That does not mean to say that most of us--including myself--don't
experiment, and obtain other makes/models of mouthpieces for comparison.

David S. Naden, MMus
Cal State University Los Angeles

-----Original Message-----
From: CBA [mailto:clarinet10001@-----.com]
Subject: Re: [kl] Question about Woodwind Company mouthpieces

I have a Larry Combs model I played on in college. I did very
well with it, and it is very well made, although I do not use it
anymore.

I also have a Marcellus mouthpiece which I played on in
college...same situation - quality mouthpiece that I no longer
use, as I am looking for different things from a mouthpiece than
when those mouthpieces worked well for me.

Mouthpieces are very personal, even for the same person a year
or two later. I rarely play on a mouthpiece more than a few
years, as the muscles in my mouth change, and my teeth move to
an extent, causing one good mouthpiece to become a bad one *for
me*, because the oral cavity of my mouth changes over time.

ALL of us have an everlasting changing mouth, so I am always
amazed at people who can play the same mouthpiece 5 years down
the road. I think most professionals change often, as in 2 years
or less, so more than others.

Any comments from professionals on the list about how often you
change your mouthpieces?

Kelly Abraham
Woodwinds - New York City
--- Jeremy Yager <bomber@-----.com> wrote:
> Meanwhile while talking about Woodwind mouthpieces...
>
> Has anyone played the Larry Combs model?
>
> --Jeremy

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