The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: wan
Date: 2005-03-25 16:30
Hi, can ayone tell me what are the primary differences for these 3 types of clarient facings: "medium", "medium-closed" and "medium-opened"? For example which one is resistant than the other? Thanks!!
Wan
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-03-25 17:28
The terms you mention refer to tip opening (only) --- this is just one of many crucial mouthpiece parameters. There is not necessarily a correlation between resistance and tip opening. Generally, for a given amount of resistance (which is a choice of the player), a more closed tip will require a harder (stiffer) reed, whilst a more open tip will require a softer reed. Many other factors influence the resistance of a mouthpiece, including the interior design (baffle, bore and chamber), the facing length, the facing curvature, and any differences that may exist between the two side rails of the facing. I wish there were a simple answer, but there isn't.
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2005-03-25 20:21
Generality.... open mouthpieces are less resistant than closed. To make it confusing...open mouthpieces as stated require lighter reeds. Putting it into numbers.... 1.00 mm is close 1.05 might be med closed 1.10 med 1.15 med open Any mouthpiece can be stuffy.. sometimes the resistance adds a nice quality to the sound and sometimes it doesn't. It is best to try mouthpieces in the playing situation. Sometimes how a mouthpiece sounds in your practice room isn't the same as performance. ie..you can't hear yourself play in an ensemble...it isn't loud enough in ensemble etc. Just putting a soft reed on a mouthpiece doesn't fix the stuffy quality. That stuffiness can lead to squeaks and fatigue. Too much resistance might make the mouthpiece less reed friendly. Generally speaking...the opening influences the tone focus.. or perhaps size ... as expected a closed mouthpiece will be contained...focused and small sounding....an open mouthpiece will be full, fatter, maybe less focused, maybe more work. These comments are just general in nature. There is no standardization in mouthpiece facing between manufacturers. If you have a specific mouthpiece make in mind, you should ask for opinions regarding suitable reed strengths and makes. Pillinger has an interesting website...and lists some of the qualities in mouthpieces. All the best JP
Freelance woodwind performer
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