 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: DC02
Date: 2000-09-23 19:25
Has anyone tried one of Richard Hawkins' mouthpieces? I hear they're wonderful and what to know you opinion. Thanks!
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-09-23 19:33
My son owns two, I own one. They are very nice; however, they don't have as much dynamic range as some others, especially in the forte region.
I know International Musical Suppliers carries them for trial; there may be some other retailers that can help you, too.
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Author: William
Date: 2000-09-24 14:54
Duke Ellington said it best--"If it sounds good, it IS good." He probably wasn't talking about Richard Hawkins, but if you like his mp then use it and don't worry about what other people think. FYI-- I tried three of his pro models and bought one because it produced a great sound. But, like Mark said, they are a bit restrictive (especially in large ensembles) when it comes to playing FF. I therefore am playing my old custom mp, not as great a sound, but at least I can be heard when the brass and percussion come in. Have you tried Greg Smith?? He also uses the Zinner blanks and produces great sounding mps. Also remember that most of our audience members are less judgemental of our sounds than we are and are more sensitive to intonation, balance and expressive beauty that we put into our performance. Good luck.
(PS--Mark, great new look!!!! Thanks)
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Author: Aaron D
Date: 2000-09-28 04:24
I agree on the restirctiveness of the Hawkins mouthpieces. They produce a farily good warm sound, wonderful for chamber groups, but in an orchestral situation I have found that I have had to force too much when I was trying them out. However, i have found that the Hawkins do enforce the low to mid ranges of the clarinet while the highs are somewhat restricted.
I do now play on a Greg Smith mouthpiece. I played on about 30 of them at his studio in Evanston a few months agao. I find them to be a superior mouthpiece. They are finished to perfection. They have some resistance, but are still free blowing to get a WONDERFULLY controlled ff. They are very well balanced bringing out the best qualities of the clarinet. They do enforce the clarion renge of the tone, without however enforceing the high end of the overtones. I have found that his 1* gives the best response, range, and openness to the tone. It is a wonderful orchestral/solo mouthpiece.
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