 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bkmorton
Date: 2004-03-22 16:17
There are a few pro mouthpiece companies that are making wooden clarinet mouthpieces. I was wandering what are the characteristics of them and why don't most people use them. Understand that they have a possibility of cracking but so do reeds and we still use them instead of plastics (aside from the minority of some people that use Le gere/BG/and whatever).
What are some of the best woods to get?
Are there any pros using the wooden mouthpiece?
I read some of the past threads but didnt get all my answers
Post Edited (2004-03-22 16:24)
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-03-22 16:34
While this is a report by a well-known maker, the data is 100% anecdotal. It may even be 100% true, but there's no supporting evidence other than what he hears, thinks he hears, or wants to hear.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-03-22 16:52
I'll tell you why I don't use them . . . there aren't a lot to choose from, they need extra care, and I think hard rubber will do just as good a job! I'm no pro though.
Some people think material makes a noticeable difference in sound. Maybe it does. I've heard very often heard rosewood clarinets/barrels to give a "sweeter" tone, but that could be half mental from seeing a "warmer color" wood.
I however feel that if I want a mouthpiece, I'm gonna start with the popular/accessible ones. I had a vandoren (popular/cheap). My instructor let me try a gigliotti (available for trial right there) and I liked it. And now I'm on a Greg Smith (popular after reading on the board, and a quick phonecall away) with a gigliotti backup. Also, since there probably aren't that many out there being played, there's less of a chance of someone seeing/hearing it and wanting it (let alone knowing a wooden mouthpiece is even available). It's hard to bring something new into a world where certain types already have a monopoly (in this case hard rubber, plastic, crystal mouthpieces). Remember how well the mazzeo system turned out? (The WHAT system?)
Alexi
Retired, playing more sax than clarinet, but still playing clarinet and still loving it!
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2004-03-22 17:54
IMHO, there are no particular advantages or disadvantages to wooden mouthpieces over hard rubber ones. I've played a Pomarico wooden Bb clarinet and Lebayle wood tenor sax mouthpieces for a while, and with a reasonable (but minimal) amount of care and routine maintenance both have given me good service. As far as sound and response, these are primarily determined by the facing and interior design and are independent of mouthpiece material for the most part. For particulars, check with Fred Lebayle (France), Pomarico (Italy), or Greg Smith (US), who are the current makers of quality wood mouthpieces that I'm aware of.
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Author: Topher
Date: 2004-03-22 19:52
I have played only one, and it was for a short period of time, so I cannot comment on their overall sound, response, etc.
However, one problem I was warned of (beside cracking) is warpage. Some wood pieces will warp after extensive playing, and effectively change their tip opening and facing. While I have no proof of this, it is something I have been told by many proffesionals and rich amatures alike.
Topher
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Author: Gregory Smith ★2017
Date: 2004-03-22 21:44
If you click on "search" and type in three words:
hardwood mouthpieces smith (keeping relevancy as the search criteria),
you should have approx 15 threads to read on the subject.
If in addition, you check the Klarinet mailing list box, there's plenty more to read.
Gregory Smith
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2004-03-22 22:02
The only reason I don't play one is that I keep selling them to pay for lessons! Like a wooden clarinet, a wooden mouthpiece could crack if handled carelessly.
I would take Ralph's opinion seriously, but with a grain of salt.
He's going to support what he sells, of course.
I've played a batch from Phil Barone, with the same facings, chambers and different body materials - I couldn't hear a difference or feel any distinct advantage (or disadvantage) in response.
But what do I know?
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Author: john gibson
Date: 2004-03-23 01:25
I currently have a Pomarico ebony that is exceptional. Sound is solid and the MPC is easy to play. Also have an old Buffet wooden MPC that is in pristine condition. No warpage, shape changage or anything and it is as good as any MPC I have. However I still prefer the Pomarico crystals. If you "care" for them (meaning don't drop them) they last forever and are IMO, the best MPCs made.
As for sound......there is a difference. But as stated, it's probably due to the "innards" more than anything else.
JG
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-03-23 13:55
I have an old Kohlerts wood mp that came with the purchase of the horn on eBay. It plays just like "others" and is free of any defects such as warpage. I don't play it regularly,however, preferring to keep it as a treasure.
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