Klarinet Archive - Posting 000045.txt from 2003/08

From: Nancy Buckman <eefer@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Mouthpiece Patches Revisited
Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2003 00:57:28 -0400

At 12:15 AM 8/3/2003 -0400, you wrote:
> What we need is a universal built-in patch that satisfies the individual!

There have been mouthpieces made with a built in patch. The patch is a
very personal item, like a tooth brush. Consequently, the patch will
probably remain a peripheral item to be used at the clarinetist's discretion.

For many years I played an O'Brien crystal mouthpiece. This was before the
patch was available. I used to stick postage stamps on the beak to keep my
teeth from sliding around. Then I began to experiment with different
mouthpieces as they became available. For a long time I played a Selmer
HS* (with no patch) and after 10 years I had two nice holes worn into the
top of the mouthpiece. Then my repairman stuck a few pieces of plastic
material that he cut from a sheet. He told me to try them on my old
mouthpiece to keep from wearing a hole in the thing and that if I ever
changed mouthpieces in the future, to patch the top before playing for
protection. I have always used a patch since, especially on my wooden
mouthpieces. However, my patches are the thinnest available. I have even
used Teflon tape on occasion. It only lasts for a short while though. The
patches on my wooden mouthpieces are beginning to show signs of wear and
need to be replaced. Even the patches get worn from teeth. It is a lot
easier and cheaper to replace patches than worn mouthpieces.

Nancy

Nancy Buckman
Principal Clarinet / Orchestra AACC
eefer@-----.net

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