Klarinet Archive - Posting 000048.txt from 2004/02

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Clarinet Mouthpieces
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2004 14:40:19 -0500

Tim says: << The setup works pretty well for me, but I have the sense
that my tone isn't very "focussed." I wander a bit more than I'd like.
The most likely explanation is an undisciplined embouchure, of course,
but I've been wondering if a slightly more closed tip (with a slightly
harder reed) might help me. Any recommendations for mouthpieces that lean
just a little to the "closed" side?>>

Tim, all due respect, but you probably need to look in other areas besides
tip opening. In my investigations, focus or lack thereof is more a function of
internal dimensions of the mouthpiece rather than facing.

Also, a mouthpiece which seems focused on one brand/model of clarinet may be
excessively "narrow" or restricted on another brand/model and vice versa.

For example, I have seen expert players select a mouthpiece as "excellent"
when trying it on a Buffet R-13, but when they try the same mouthpiece on a
Leblanc Symphonie II find it lacking.

Your embouchure, especially regarding where your jaw/teeth/lip contact the
reed has a lot to say about what facings will work for you. Unless someone
examines that, any recommendations made will be quite suspect.

I had a gentleman in last night to pick up his clarinet and try mouthpieces.
When he played, you could see his jaw placement was quite "forward". We
finally selected a medium length/close tip facing for him. This same mouthpiece was
very comfortable for him, and not so for myself.

a few thoughts........

Walter
www.clarinetxpress.com
world class clarinet and bass clarinet mouthpieces

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