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old wood mouthpiece

Author: bbrandha
Date: 2012-04-10 01:19

I am restoring a Chapelaine clarinet. The case is dated 1893. It has what I assume is the original wood mouthpiece. The mouthpiece has no maker's mark. It has been well-used and I was just going to keep it as an original part of the clarinet. When I took the clarinet to a tech for help with a stuck screw, he got quite excited about the mouthpiece. He ran to get his clarinet and tried it out. Even with the hard use, it sounded pretty darn good.
He says it has been modified. The baffle has been rounded, he said to produce a sound more like a sax. I hate to use his time any more than I have been to help with my project, so I am asking you guys. Are these old mouthpieces worth repairing? Do any of you use one? Anything else I should know?

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Re: old wood mouthpiece

Author: JHowell
Date: 2012-04-10 03:13

At one point I played around with the wooden Zinners. Interesting, but not something I could depend on for day-in/day-out playing. I'd keep your wooden mouthpiece as you intended; an original part of the clarinet.

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Re: old wood mouthpiece

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2012-04-10 09:29

I play on new wooden mouthpieces. They are like clarinets in that you need to be wary of need to keep them oiled. Whatever system you use for maintaining reeds (store with sponge or some such thing) should be used for the mouthpiece since it will vary slightly with the humidity in the air as well.

Bottom line, if it's a well made mouthpiece with a lay that works for you, you should use it! They tend to have a slightly softy and yet woodier sound (very much like going to a ringless barrel design).

But if you use it regularly, just remember to maintain it. A crack along the table will kill it.

..............Paul Aviles

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Re: old wood mouthpiece

Author: Randall
Date: 2012-04-10 16:17

I've had a Pomarico #3 ebony mouthpiece for about 15 years, which I enjoy. Other than an occasional almond oil wipe, I haven't found the need for any further protective maintenance. R

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