Klarinet Archive - Posting 000892.txt from 2004/03

From: "CLARK FOBES {USER_LASTNAME}" <reedman@------.com>
Subj: [kl] Bass clarinet mouthpiece measurements
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2004 16:51:13 -0500

Karl,

Interestingly, I use the same length for all of my bass mouthpieces
regardless of tip opening. This being usually 24mm. It is the vent area
(from tip to about 12mm below the tip) AND the tip baffle shape that create
the most interesting resistance in bass clarinet mouthpieces.

As I get older and make more mouthpieces I am constantly reconfirming to
myself that the actual shape of the facing is the least important factor in
making good mouthpieces. The fundamental core sound and intonation
characterisics are primarily dictated by the bore (which can be measured).
The response and color are controlled by the very complicated shape of the
chamber. (Which is difficult to measure) The chamber is comprised of at
least five basic areas of influence; these being window shape, baffle slope,
tip baffle, side walls and the chamber exit (also called the "throat").

GENERALLY a well designed mouthpiece with good chamber to bore ratios can
recieve a fairly wide variety of facings with some minor adjustments to
either the chamber or the bore or both.

The science of mouthpiece design can be quantified to a limited degree in
numbers, but it is the subjective adjustment to the immeasurable that
carries fine mouthpiece making into the realm of art.

Clark W Fobes

---------------------------------------------------------------------
klarinet-digest-unsubscribe@------.org if you get the digest.
Klarinet is a service of Woodwind.Org, Inc. http://www.------.org