 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: stancil
Date: 2009-10-06 07:55
Hello!
I recently started playing on one of Ramon Wodkowski's new mouthpieces, the "L" model, and wanted to share some of my impressions on this forum. I've known about Mr. Wodkowski's superlative refacing skills for many years, but this new mouthpiece, in my humble opinion, establishes him as nothing short of a genius in the art of mouthpiece craftmanship.
Inspired by a Louis & Co. facing used by Charles Draper, the most striking aspects of the mouthpiece are its response, flexibility, and depth of sound. I've often been disappointed by mouthpieces that force me to choose between comfort/control and projection. This mouthpiece allows a dark and focused sound without sacrificing presence. I am especially impressed with how easy it has been to find good reeds with this model- even during a recent trip to the Rocky Mountains! I highly recommend it!
Mr. Wodkowski lives and performs in London, but I understand he will be at Michigan State on Oct. 10th. His website is http://www.ramonwodkowski.com.
All the Best,
A.J. Stancil
DMA student, USC
Post Edited (2009-10-06 09:23)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2009-10-06 14:10
There maybe some international URL problem here, but I can't get the web address to work.
.............Paul Aviles
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2009-10-06 15:29
reedwizard wrote:
> It worked for me Paul, I think it might be a URL problem.
I fixed it in the posting.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: TianL
Date: 2009-10-06 17:23
looks like nothing is available online yet :(
anyone would like to share more information about Wodkowski's mouthpiece? such as what blanks he uses, the types of facing, etc?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jon P
Date: 2009-10-06 19:58
Ramon tells me that his new line will be available via the web in early November...he will have a model suited to most/all types of players - American, European etc. - tips openings ranging from close to medium to open. Think he is using zinner blanks for some, not sure where he gets the others. Apparently every single one of his prototypes is sold so they might be worth taking a look at.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: spartanclarinet
Date: 2009-10-07 01:28
I use this model as well, and can corroborate what A.J. has said. I feel very comfortable with this mouthpiece in just about any situation, whether in orchestra, chamber music, recitals, or lessons. I have some of my students on this model now and it's proving to be a great choice. He has also been very good with my students in terms of communicating with them from London. Now that he will be one of our guests at the MSU Clarinet Extravaganza, it will be a great opportunity for them to work with him one on one for additional mouthpieces. I have to say that one of the things that makes Ramon a very talented mouthpiece maker is his ability to make something for anyone. Some like Pyne, some Kaspar, others like Vandoren, Ched, etc. He can make a better version of what you want without imposing one style of mouthpiece making on you. As for me, I like a mouthpiece in the middle, i.e., not on any fringe of openness/closeness, as well as a symmetrical facing that provides moderate resistance. I told him that was what I wanted and he produced it for me and my students with startling ease.
Justin O'Dell
http://web.mac.com/clarinetquintet/iWeb/MSUClarinetStudio/MSU.html
http://www.music.msu.edu/people/detail.php?id=83
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: spartanclarinet
Date: 2009-10-07 19:25
I am not sure exactly what he charges for a new mouthpiece. I think it depends on the blank you choose or if you bring him one to reface. For a custom made mouthpiece, his prices are well below what is standard, though.
Justin O'Dell
http://web.mac.com/clarinetquintet/iWeb/MSUClarinetStudio/MSU.html
http://www.music.msu.edu/people/detail.php?id=83
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: abstruse_melisma
Date: 2009-10-08 04:29
I had the chance to work with Ramon this past spring refacing a mouthpiece to match the specifications noted above. As I recall he charged me $50 plus shipping, but prices change, especially as word spreads. The best thing to do is to email him or catch him while he is here for the 6th annual Clarinet Extravaganza at Michigan State this Saturday. I plan on having additional work done to other mouthpieces while he is here and can attest to the high caliber of his work.
As to the type of blanks he uses, I am told he prefers standard Zinner E blanks, which can be purchased in the US through Muncy Winds if you would prefer to supply your own. Last time I checked they were $59.
Allow me once again to emphasize, although I have not amassed an enormous collection of mouthpieces, this is by far the best I have tried. The sound, feel, and precision are impeccable.
Devin T.B. Langham
Clarinet Performance Major
Michigan State University
interlude
Post Edited (2009-10-08 04:30)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
