Klarinet Archive - Posting 000170.txt from 2008/10

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fbjacobo@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] New blog about Molded mpcs VS Rod Rubber
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:41:15 -0400

Clark,
I am disagree with your conclusion that (to paraphrase) the material
of a mouthpiece is essentially immaterial (no pun intended) to its
sound. I believe that the density of the material is extremely
important. I believe that my crystal mouthpiece, because it is so
dense, diminishes the edginess that I've experienced on every other
mouthpiece (made out of rubber, plastic or acrylic) when playing
loud. I find it virtually impossible to play 'shrill' on my crystal
mpc. - I can be bright, but not shrill. I consistently overwhelm a
rubber mouthpiece. Cut me a little slack, Dan Leeson, Please!
Further, I play on a Buffet Greenline, which is a heavier, more
dense material than Grenadilla. When I tried out instruments, I was
able to play 13 wood R-13s and 6 Greenlines. The most free-blowing,
'bright' Greenlline was more focused and 'mellow' than the richest-
sounding wooden one. I firmly believe that the difference (they're
both R-13 bores) is the material.
Frankly, I think I understand why rock and big band sax players like
metal mouthpieces; it's not that metal ones project better, but that
players can blow harder and louder without the sound distorting (at
least, not more than they want).
I am neither a mouthpiece maker nor adjustor, and I certainly don't
manufacture instruments. However, I have a lifetime of experience
with the clarinet. The above conclusion is a product of my observed
experience.

Fred Jacobowitz

Kol Haruach Klezmer Band
Ebony and Ivory Duo

You don't get harmony when everybody sings the same note.
~Doug Floyd

On Oct 31, 2008, at 3:34 AM, Clark W Fobes wrote:

> I just wrote a new blog with some great links to photos and videos
> of mouthpiece manufacturing
>
> Check it out at
> http://clarkwfobes.wordpress.com/
>
> Clark
>
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