Klarinet Archive - Posting 000135.txt from 2003/02

From: "CLARK FOBES " <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Eb clarinet mouthpiece
Date: Thu, 6 Feb 2003 12:03:17 -0500

Barb Reimer wrote:

"Now I could be completely out to lunch here but I noticed that the V
between the reed and the mouthpiece (side view) is much larger on the
Eb combination than my Bb combination. Is this contributory? Or is it
designed that way because it is smaller? That is a reason why I wanted
to try a different mouthpiece first."

Barb, it is possible that the Eb clarinet you have just is not properly
designed acoustically. I have never played the instrument you mentioned,
but my experience is that only professional model Eb clarinets respond
properly in all registers.

As to the mouthpiece (Geo M. Bundy NOT "Leo" - Geo. for George) if you can
truly see a marked difference (larger tip opneing) than your clarinet
mouthpiece it is too open.

Eb clarinet mouthpieces function best if they are relatively close and
short in relationship to clarinet mouthpieces. You may also want to try a
different reed. I use Van Doren White Master reeds, but they need to be
shortened from the butt end by about 1/4". These reeds are narrow and fit
most Eb mouthpieces very well. The extra thickness seems to help in the
extreme upper register.

Clark W Fobes

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