 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bob Schwab
Date: 2003-07-01 03:36
Which Pomarico crystal mouthpiece would best suit my needs?. It appears that the choice is between the Sapphire and the Ruby.
Here's some background information. I'm in my early forties. I've taken the clarinet up again after a 23 year break and have been playing again for about 2 years. I am progressing quite well. I was surprised at how quickly it came back. I play a Yamaha YCL-450 intermediate level wood clarinet that I am very happy with. People tell me that I have a nice full tone when I play. I currently play with a Hite "J" model mouthpiece. I'm happy with it as well but am very curious about crystal. The Hite "J" model is supposed to be optimized for #3 reeds. I play Grand Concert Select #3s. I used to play Vandoren V-12 #3 reeds but since I tried the Grand Concert Selects I've not been happy with the Vandorens.
I would appreciate any advice or information that anyone familiar with the Pomarico line might have regarding this choice. Thank you for your time.
Bob Schwab
"A government that is big enough to give you everything is big enough to take it all away." - Barry Goldwater
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-07-01 05:30
I have a 4 which is now called a diamond. It is very, very, very open. You would be hard pressed to make a reed harder than a 1 1/2 work on it. I would definitely be looking at one of the closer lays if I were you. There is a slight sacrifice in volume but an increase in flexibilty. They also make your instrument heavier, noticeably heavier. I only use the Pomarico for a particular sound for recording, ie. breathy chalumeax. They are a bit tight up high regardless of lay. The wood ones are nice but have a shortish lifespan and are even softer than the glass.
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Author: DezzaG
Date: 2003-07-01 13:47
EVEN softer than glass...hmmm last time I checked Glass was hard, thats why they make good mouthpieces, they keep the lay forever(just harder to put on in the first place). But yes glass is brittle.
The pomaricos feel like the tips are smaller than they really are, I have a Saphire which is better than my Gigliotti's but now I exclusively use Grabner and sometimes a Chedville Lelandais(nice facing by David Hite). I recommend the Saphire or Ruby in the pomaricos, they do take quite hard reeds, I used V12 4's on the saphire which is supposed to be the second widest of the pomaricos. BTTW get the mellow bore not bright.
Good luck!!
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Author: wyatt
Date: 2003-07-01 14:42
you can order both mp and then send one or both back to ims or ww&b. they charge extra if you don't buy one.
come to the fest and try both for free.
bob gardner}ÜJ
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Author: William
Date: 2003-07-01 17:04
The only rule that applies is: Buy the mouthpiece that Plays the Best for You. Not any other "expert."
To paraphrase the ol' Duke (Ellington), "If it plays good, it is good."
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2003-07-01 20:26
William,
I usually agree with (and always enjoy) your posts, but in this case your suggestion is not much help --- in order to find "the mouthpiece that plays best for you", you'd have to literally try every mouthpiece in the world, right? Certainly one should try dozens of mouthpieces, of various brands and facings, and even more than one mouthpiece of any given facing, to find one that works well. But what people need is a starting point, a few guidelines, to reduce the number of mouthpieces they or their teachers have to try to get something that works. And most non-professional players either have limited or no experience trying mouthpieces other than what they've got, and don't even realize the difference mouthpieces can make nor are they sensitive to the incredible variations mouthpiece-to-mouthpiece, even within the same brand and facing. So we shouldn't glibly dismiss inquiries such as this one --- I'm a fan of Pomarico mouthpieces myself, but even I wouldn't buy one without trying at least a dozen, with at least three types of facing/chamber combinations included in the group!
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Author: William
Date: 2003-07-01 23:22
"we shouldn't glibly dismiss inquiries such as this one"
David, I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said--and, as usual, you said it so much better! What I tried to say was to try as many Pamaricos as you can (or any given brand) and simply pick the one that plays the best. And, if it plays good (for you), it is good (for you).
I didn't mean to suggest that one should try ever clarinet mouthpiece in existance--although sometimes, I think I have come close (and still can't find that "perfect" sound).
Sorry for sounding on the "glib" side. Good luck!!!
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Author: john gibson
Date: 2003-07-03 03:19
I've never played a Pomarico that "didn't perform". Especially their newer models.....I'm using the Diamond Open plus (bright) with my R-13....and SILVER KING...AND Boosey Hawkes 2-20.....and it is real joy on each and every one! The folks at POMARICO know how to produce and face a MPC!
Maybe it's just me and maybe it's because I use Pomarico and Mitchell Lurei Premium reeds (2 1/2)...or ......I don't know.....but the POMARICO DIAMOND really works well and blows well for me on all my clarinets.....AND I've never gone through a "bunch" to find the "right one".......They all just seem to work.
John Gibson
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