Klarinet Archive - Posting 000461.txt from 2002/10

From: The Ciompi Family <deal5@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Practice device idea.
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 15:07:26 -0400

Hi,
Others have tried, but a successful one would certainly be welcome. I remember a box that was marketed about 25 years ago. It contained the clarinet and you stuck your arms into holes in the side and blew. The thing was the
size of a soprano sax case! Quite cumbersome. Anbody remember it? Good luck in your experiments.

Sincerely,

Arturo

bernie_ml@-----.uk wrote:

> 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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