Klarinet Archive - Posting 000690.txt from 2003/10

From: "CLARK FOBES {USER_LASTNAME}" <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Tooting my own alto clarinet
Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 19:12:45 -0500

Thanks for the mentions re my bass mouthpieces everyone.

I DO make alto clarinet/large bore basset horn mouthpieces. I make a version
in the NOVA series and one in the "San Francisco" series (although that is
not listed on my site yet.

I have the distinct advantage of owning a wonderful old professional Leblanc
alto clarinet (what a nerd!) and I use this to make my alto clarinet
mouthpieces.

Finding mouthpieces that match in resistance is the key to being successful
as a doubler. I have always played mouthpieces that are medium-close on all
of my instruments and that seems to suit my doubling needs very well. Even
my contra mouthpieces are not all that open.

A good friend of mine is Greg Dufford who used to play bass clarinet with
the San Francisco Opera. He was a masterful doubler (all woodwinds!) and a
great trick I learned from him was to always put your doubling instuments
back in the closet with a good reed. You never know when you will be called
in an emergency and you better have your set-up ready to go.

This will be an interesting week of doubling for me. I am playing contra
bass clarinet with the SF Symphony this week and 2nd clarinet with the SF
Opera. Possible doubling on Eb clarinet later this week. Nine services!

How am I going to get all of these mouthpieces made?

Clark

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