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Have returned to old mouthpiece?

Author: Buster Brown
Date: 2006-06-29 12:48

I currently have 3 mouthpieces (plus a bunch more in a drawer); a 50+ year old Woodwind B9; a 20 year old Portnoy BP02; and a Gunusa Excellente G**. I'm using FOF reeds 3-1/2 - 4 with some adjusting. After having some fun the past few weeks with alto sax mouthpices, I decided it was time for some fun with clarinet mouthpieces.

I've been playing the Excellente for the past 2 years after purchasing a new R13 Vintage. Prior to that (after a 40 year layoff) I was using the Portnoy (different clarinet). The Woodwind didn't seem to work as well as either of those two. Last week I decided to compare the three again and the Woodwind came out the clear winner. I had used it throughout highschool and college. It had more power, nice clear tone, all the notes spoke well and it worked well with pretty much any reed I stuck on it.

I'm a bit confused. Why is the Woodwind the clear (?) winner now? Have any of you experienced similar changes in your favorite MP? What are the differences in the 3 MP, besides the tip opening (I don't know enough about these 3 to answer these questions)? Finally, knowing the above is there a new MP I should be considering? (I still have G.A.S.)

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Re: Have returned to old mouthpiece?

Author: Brad Behn
Date: 2006-06-29 16:50

After reading your comments it seems that a new mouthpiece would only make matters more confusing. I think this is not the time for GAS.

There are a lot of influences at hand.

-you have been playing saxophone most recently
-you changed to a new clarinet fairly recently
-reeds are always slightly different so consistency here is a challenge
-you have been trying different mouthpieces lately

I find it best to acquire new equipment when the variables are reduced to a minimum. That way you can confidently scrutinize your equipment without confusion. For example if you know your reeds are working well, your instrument is in good repair, and your playing is in good shape, then it would be much easier to evaluate (with confidence) a new mouthpiece purchase. But if your playing chops are rusty, your reeds are old and tired, and your clarinet needs repair, it would be a very confusing task of evaluating a new mouthpiece.

If you feel that you are in shape, your reeds are good, and your clarinet works well then GAS away!

But the bottom line is that if you like the way the Woodwind plays, sounds, feels, and tunes (with a large sampling of reeds) then perhaps that is the best choice for you right now. Perhaps you should play it for a while and then compare it with the Gennusa. Don’t forget the reasons why you selected the Gennusa in the first place. It is probably a very good mouthpiece for you and you may find that it works better for you in the long run.

Have fun.

Brad Behn
http://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com

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