Author: Christopher Bush
Date: 2014-08-15 22:13
Hello as994,
I want to encourage you to study the difference between cents and frequency. Although 1 cent may not be noticeable in most cases, that's because it is 1/100 of the difference between the frequencies of two pitches a half step apart. A cent in a low register A to A# would be equal to fewer Hz than a cent between A and A# even an octave above. A440 and A441 are 1 Hz apart, but several cents apart (nearly 4 cents, I think).
That being said, the difference between tuning A440 and A441 is significant and can definitely be heard by other musicians and audiences. In fact, many clarinetists who play in different areas of the world bring different equipment (often different barrels or mouthpieces) depending on the tuning tendencies of the country. Playing in tune can be difficult and sometimes subjective, but it's hardly ever something that we shouldn't be working to improve (even 1 cent!).
Hi James_S,
I would encourage you to be in contact with Ramon Wodkowski, who is both an excellent mouthpiece maker and refacer. He also tends to have a large number of vintage mouthpieces on hand. Perhaps he could make one very similar to your current mouthpiece with the tuning tendencies you request. He's always been very able and flexible with my requests (not to mention exceedingly patient!).
Christopher Bush
Prof. of Clarinet - NYU
Princ. Clarinet - Glens Falls Symphony, Metro Chamber Orchestra
Director - NYU Composers Ensemble
|
|
The Clarinet BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
