Klarinet Archive - Posting 000038.txt from 2003/08

From: "Marcia S. Bundi" <mbundi@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Mouthpiece Patches
Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2003 19:44:22 -0400

I learned to play without a patch, and my old mouthpiece had grooves worn
in it from my teeth -- and it's obvious that my bite is uneven! When my
teacher had me put a patch on lo these many years later, I was amazed at
how different it felt: secure and a little cushy, with no sliding at all.
So I've played with a patch for the last 8 years or so . . . until just
recently.

I was testing mouthpieces and Lori Lovato had me listen to her play on
*my* setup with and without the patch, and the difference in clarity and
timbre of sound was very noticeable! It was quite obvious that the sound
is indeed muffled by a standard mouthpiece patch and I really needed to
get rid of it. What she recommends is that you get a roll of black
electrician's tape and cut a piece off to fit, to protect the surface
(and secure your teeth's position). It's thick enough for that but thin
enough not to at all muffle the sound. You do have to replace the tape
about every other time you play 'cause it *is* so thin and teeth go
through it quickly, but it's not expensive and I've put some and a little
scissors in with my soprano and with my bass.

Marcia in MT

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