 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ed
Date: 2004-05-25 16:32
I recently had the opportunity to try some of Clark Fobes' mouthpieces. I am familiar with his work from the Eb and bass clarinet and debut mouthpieces. The mouthpieces here were the Fobes-Zinner Bb mouthpiece in the CF+ facing, which I understand is the most popular facing.
All three that I tried were excellent mouthpieces. The response is even and smooth throughout the range, with a nice quality of sound, very colorful with great ring. Articulation is very easy. The mouthpiece is very comfortable to play. I tried a number of different reeds (old Vandorens, new Vandorens-both traditional and V12 as well as Gonzalez). The mouthpiece is very reed friendly, and virtually everything playable. I could tell that with some small adjustment to those that need some balancing, etc, there would be many great players there. I have always felt that one sign of a great mouthpiece is one that accepts a lot of reeds. I have played some mouthpieces that work well when you get that one or two great reeds. Most of us have better things to do than look for that Holy Grail of reeds.
These mouthpieces are an example of Clarks's great craftsmanship. He is probably one of the most knowledgeable out there. For anyone who is on the lookout for a great mouthpiece, definitely consider checking out what Clark has to offer. These are probably among the best out there.
Clark can answer any questions about his mouthpiece. His info is at:
http://www.clarkwfobes.com/
I believe Clark may be using a different Zinner blank than other makers.
Post Edited (2004-05-25 17:20)
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-05-25 16:38
Wow. This is probably the first review of a Fobes San Fran that I've seen on this board. Seen a few about Nova's, but can't remember a San Fran review! Thanks!
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: mw
Date: 2004-05-25 17:01
Clark ships & permits trials like any other mouthpiece or barrel artisan.
IMO, Zinner blank Mouthpieces are a great "square one" to start with.
IME, Borbeck, Fobes, Grabner, & Greg Smith mouthpieces with similar tip openings (& symmetrical rails) will all have a fair amount of feel in common.
At least for me, they do. I am sure we can add other names to the list.
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Author: mnorswor
Date: 2004-05-25 23:15
Yeah, I second the rec. of Clark's products. I play on his bass mouthpieces and have found nothing that compares. Clark's a great guy and a good friend and it's always my pleasure to recommend him.
Michael
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Author: bkmorton
Date: 2004-05-26 00:57
I third the CF + zinner blank. I don't think it is a San Fransisco Model. Either way I love it
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Author: kurtmagnuson
Date: 2004-05-26 01:39
I found Mr. Fobes not only helpful but an excellent craftsman,or should I say artist. I use a 4L mouthpiece for jazz and klezmer and find it quite flexible and forgiving. I also must agree that it is not reed specific but very forgiving in allowing you to experiment with different reeds without difficulty.
These are great mouthpieces!
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Author: Eppy
Date: 2004-05-26 12:47
I agree with Ed on Clark's mouthpieces, ALL of them! The majority of my students play on Clark's mouthpieces. I let them try several different ones and they all come back to Clark's. You can't beat them! I have the San Francisco and love it. I also will use a Greg Smith Cicero and Pyne Signature ~M that was custom made for me. (What can I say? I'm fickle!)
As far as students go though, the beginners for sure start on the Debut model. No better beginner mouthpiece out there that is as reed friendly and produces a great sound. A solid foundation is one to really build on!
Luanne
Is ALL that we see or seem but a dream within a dream?
Edgar Allan Poe
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