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Which would you choose?

Author: sinkdraiN
Date: 2007-04-10 02:39

My two favorite mouthpieces is an "A" and a "B."

Both mouthpieces are popular name mouthpieces and are geared towards classical playing. I play in both classical and jazz situations.

"A" can be played louder and is pitched such that makes it easy to play in tune even when it's a little on the cold side. Nice in doubling situations. My (excellent) instructor finds my tone to be too unfocused for his tastes when I'm on this mouthpiece. It's a slightly tougher mouthpiece to play. I like it, though...at least I think I do. He prefers me playing "B" which he also plays.

"B" is softer and is slightly lower in pitch...at least on my instrument. After it warms up fully it's perfectly at A=440 but will not go any higher. In the winter it's dreadfully flat until it fully warms up then it's fine. It has a smoother, darker, focused tone and is a breeze to play. It's hard to sound bad on this mouthpiece.

I feel it is worthwhile to practice and take lessons with "B" as it is helping me play "A" better. I seem to be able to focus "A" better after working with mouthpiece "B." By myself I like "B" but in a group I prefer "A" because it has a larger dynamic range and I have more room with the pitch.

What would you do in this situation?

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