Klarinet Archive - Posting 000261.txt from 2009/10

From: "Ronald Coleman" <ron.coleman@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Clarinet Mouthpieces
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:51:28 -0400

My recommendation: "No Try, No Buy".

Every player's physiology is unique. It stands to reason then that each
player's 'optimum' mouthpiece design will be different. What works for me
may not (in fact probably will not) be optimum for most other players.

You can line up 10 mouthpieces of the same make/model/spec and they will
each play differently - some very differently. The only way to know if it
will work for you is to play it - preferably for several weeks - though some
can be ruled out in a few minutes.

Mouthpiece selection (done properly) is a very time consuming process which
also involves finding the reed style that best matches the mouthpiece - but
well worth the investment of time to get it right. (This is where a less
experienced player may benefit with some help from a more experienced
player...) Unfortunately many retailers do not have trial programs. But some
still do. (Woodwind/Brasswind at wwbw.com is one that comes to mind - Call
and speak to one of the woodwind sales reps. Also some mouthpiece
'customizers' may still allow trials/returns.)

Of course there are many 'middle of the road' solutions out there - many of
which have already been mentioned. If you are a casual player that does not
have the time or interest in prolonged trials then go for one of those.

Ronald Coleman
(Mostly classical player using Selmer #2 and Pomarico Ruby crystal
mouthpieces - which happen to play almost identically.)

ron.coleman@-----.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Nancy Buckman [mailto:eefer@-----.com]
Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 7:11 PM
To: klarinet@-----.org
Subject: Re: [kl] Clarinet Mouthpieces

Hello George, A little more research on your part may be needed before you
invest in a new mouthpiece. You need to try as many different mouthpieces
as possible (including used and new). Are you playing a student instrument
or a professional instrument? IMO, anything in-between will be considered
a student instrument with a few exceptions....an Evette and Schaeffer model
clarinet(before 1970, and not Evette), the new Bliss models from Leblanc,
Buffet's E-11 and some of the older mid-models from Leblanc. If you are
playing a student model, try a Fobes "Debut", Gennusa "Excellente" or Hite
"Premier". These are excellent mouthpieces, cost less than $40 US, and can
take a student into the first year of college, if necessary. It is silly
to spend a lot of money on an expensive mouthpiece for a student clarinet,
unless you are an accomplished player. From the info you gave, I am
assuming you are not there yet. I need to know what a "higher level reed"
is, and why you consider it superior? What kinds of reeds are you using,
and do you play them right out of the box or alter them? Let me know your
thoughts on my questions, so I can better answer your questions concerning
higher-priced mouthpieces. Best, Nancy Nancy Buckman AACC Symphony Opera
AACC Early Music Society of Northern MD eefer@-----.com
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