Klarinet Archive - Posting 000008.txt from 2004/11

From: Adam Michlin <amichlin@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] confidence in the band program
Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2004 10:09:04 -0500

At 09:35 AM 11/1/2004 -0500, Lelia Loban wrote:
>Kurt Heisig wrote,
>
> >There is little if any reward on average or poor
> >equipment. There is HUGE reward with equipment
> >that works VERY well!
>
>While I agree that in general, students learn better on good equipment than
>on mediocre or bad equipment, I was disconcerted, not for the first time,
>to see Mr. Heisig follow with a long list of specific products.

When asked about clarinet mouthpieces (typically by non-clarinetist band
directors), for example, I usually say:

At the most basic level, I have had good success with Yamaha 4C Stock
Clarinet Mouthpiece (one of the many reasons I like the Yamaha student
clarinets). If you want to spend a little more, I highly recommend Clark
Fobes' Debut Mouthpieces and if you're looking for something on a more
professional level try the Vandoren 5RV Lyre Profile 88.

I then follow this with: I can only tell you that these mouthpieces have
worked consistently in my experience with my approach to playing and
teaching the clarinet. There are undoubtedly plenty of other wonderful
mouthpieces I am not experienced with and therefore am not qualified to
comment on. I can only tell you what has worked for me.

About the only thing I am dogmatic about is no name mouthpieces, assuming
the student is struggling to play their instrument (if they aren't
struggling, I wouldn't be concerned with their setup to begin with). In
general, I really don't like no name mouthpieces.

So while I agree with Kurt that students should get quality equipment and
even support the creation of lists detailing "what has worked in my
experience", I would also point out I don't benefit financially by
recommending Yamaha, Clark Fobes, or Vandoren products.

I've kidded before about being willing to sell out, but this is one case
where I would have real trouble. I really like the approach Brannen
Brothers Flutes takes towards their products:

http://www.brannenflutes.com/artist.html

-Adam

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