 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Glotin
Date: 2005-10-17 10:37
Hi everyone,
I would love some advice if anyone has the time.
For several years I used a Hite mouthpiece (model D) and it worked reasonably well for me (although it was a little too 'bright' for my taste). It seemed to suit Vandoren 3 1/2 or 4 and Mitchell Laurie 4 1/2 reeds. Unfortunately it was broken 2 years ago.
I tried several other mouthpieces before buying yet another Hite of the same model (familiarity!).
Initially the new mouthpiece worked well but after a while I noticed the reeds I usually used were much too soft.
Now Vandoren 4 1/2 or Mitchell Laurie 5 reeds will play adequately for about 3 days before becoming so soft I can barely play on them. I don't play on any of them for longer than about 15 minutes each day (could this be too long?).
I would be so greatful for ANY advice regarding my problem (I'm beginning to get rather upset as my tone is now really suffering!). Is there something I might be doing technically to make reeds feel too soft? It seems really bizarre.
Thank you.
Post Edited (2005-10-17 11:52)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2005-10-17 12:45
First check the relative humidity in the room where you play (get one of those $10 thermometer thingies from the local hardware and put it on the wall). If your humidity is under 60% your reeds will stink on ice - buy a humidifier !!!
For sanity's sake you can use Legere at 1/4 less the strength you normally use just to practice when all your real reeds are in the crapper.
............Paul Aviles
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2005-10-17 13:16
Possibly you are biting so much that you are closing down the reeds.
Experiment with mouth pressure.
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2005-10-17 23:53
I certainly agree with Mr. Blumberg here...a little bit of opening and relaxation of the oral cavity is a must to lessen the brightness of overtones and also can create some resistance or perception of resistance.
The mouthpiece should be also inspected by a professional clarinetist to ensure the dimensions are correnct...and even here there are many pros who are unable to judge these elements...
Do not succumb to refacing unless it has been correctly discovered there are some anomalies in the facing design...then be very careful to send it a refacer who has alot of exerience in this area.
As to the biting area of technique much has discussed in previous threads, but a serious lesson with a fine clarinetist may help you greatly...
Good luck
David Dow
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