Klarinet Archive - Posting 000460.txt from 2002/09

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Sturdy mouthpieces for angry beginners
Date: Sun, 22 Sep 2002 09:06:33 -0400

At 07:02 AM 9/22/2002 -0400, LeliaLoban wrote:
>Does any mouthpiece that's suitable for beginners have a reputation for
>unusual sturdiness? A friend whose son is a talented beginner on clarinet
>(but going through a period of extreme stress in his life otherwise) asked me
>this question, because when the kid gets frustrated, he throws things. He
>broke his first mouthpiece that way. No big loss (Bundy that came with the
>new clarinet), but his folks can't put replacement mouthpieces in the regular
>budget....
>...He's getting counselling for the anger management issue and the reasons
>for the
>problem, but in the meantime, can his mom buy a mouthpiece for under $50 that
>will stand a chance of surviving if a strong, furious 9-year-old boy throws
>it against the wall?

Selmer (and probably others) used to make METAL clarinet mouthpieces. You
see them on eBay occasionally. I'm not sure I would recommend that option
(besides, it could be rough on whatever it was thrown AT). Other than
that, the thin tips of plastic and rubber mouthpieces are quite fragile,
mostly because the material is somewhat brittle. Not much you can do. Of
course, AVOID crystal mouthpieces! And keep up the anger management
counselling. Maybe get him a soft foam brick to throw instead?

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!

---------------------------------------------------------------------