 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Stephanie Hirst
Date: 2001-10-20 04:08
Can someone please explain facings for me? I don' t understand them at all.
Thanx,
Stephanie
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2001-10-20 13:49
Start here:
http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/Equipment/MBL/Mouthpiece.html
for a very good exposition of mouthpiece nomenclature from Clark Fobes.
As you will see, there are quite a few variables that affect how a mouthpiece plays besides the facing. However, a couple of general rules of thumb:
All other things equal, the greater the tip opening, the more resistance the mouthpiece will have and the softer (lighter) the reed one will want to use.
All other things equal, the shorter the facing curve, the more resistance the mouthpiece will have and the softer (lighter) the reed one will want to use.
If you search the Klarinet Archives on "Cohler mouthpiece" without the quotes, you will find quite a number of messages but, in there, is one in particular where he discusses convincingly (for me, anyway) the theory that, for a given level of overall resistance in the mouthpiece/reed combination, a relatively open (i.e., open tip and short facing curve) mouthpiece with a softer reed is more difficult to control but provides greater flexibility than a relatively close (i.e., small tip opening and longer facing) mouthpiece with a harder reed. He also argues against the somewhat commonly held belief that a relatively close mouthpiece with a harder reed gives greater projection/volume.
There's a start. I'm sure others will add to this.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Kim L
Date: 2001-10-20 15:57
Stephanie,
I just "wanted" to change my mouthpiece because I was confused with the facings. I wound up entirely confusing myself and buying two mouthpieces that I don't need.
The fact was I never needed to change my mouthpiece and never should have thought anything of it. The sad thing is I learned that the hard way at my recital last Wednesday.
Anyway, remember that open may be brighter and will require softer reeds. Closed is going to require a stiffer reed and is difficult to control because you cannot relax your embouchure. The best type of mouthpiece is a medium opening with a medium tip.
If you are to buy a new mouthpiece, try many. You never know what facing will be right for you.
Good luck,
Kim L.
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