Klarinet Archive - Posting 000460.txt from 2002/10

From: bernie_ml@-----.uk
Subj: [kl] Practice device idea.
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 10:57:56 -0400

All,

I've had an idea for a practice device, and would welcome feedback on whether it's a good idea, and how it could be implemented.

The basic problem is that I rarely have time to practice at a sensible volume, and am often travelling anyway, when taking a clarinet is not very practical.

What I was thinking was that it might be helpful to make something like a trumpet practice mute, which just attaches to a clarinet mouthpiece. This should allow very low volume long note, embouchure and articulation practice.

The basic qualities would be:
Small, light and robust (for travelling)
Easy to hold as a unit with the mouthpiece
Signficant volume reduction
Blowing resistance/feel similar to a normal clarinet
Responsive to dynamics, despite low volume

Nice additional features might be:
Variable resistance - setting it a little more resistive than your normal clarinet should increase breath control, I think?
Opens up and can be used as a protective case for the mouthpiece when not in use

So what do people think?
Is this a good idea? Any other important/nice features?
How might you make one?

Cheers,
Bernie

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