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Re: Clarinet Mouthpiece Question

Author: Classical Saxophonist
Date: 2015-08-12 12:14

Saxophone mouthpieces with no baffle, a small tip opening, and a large, round chamber were recommended by the great classical saxophonist Sigurd Rascher. Saxophonists who belong to the "Rascher school" of classical saxophone still use this kind of mouthpiece today. These mouthpieces are like the original ones designed by Adolphe Sax. They are also the design that early jazz players used, as other designs had not yet come into existence.

Mouthpieces of this design are still being produced today under the Sigurd Rascher and Ronald Caravan brands of mouthpieces.

These mouthpieces produce a very dark sound with less projection than typical modern classical mouthpieces. I suspect that such a mouthpiece would provide similar effects on the clarinet.

Modern classical saxophone mouthpieces still have little-to-no baffle and a small tip opening, but the chamber size has been decreased, which gives a slightly brighter sound with more projection, while still remaining round and warm.

Modern jazz saxophone mouthpieces generally have more baffle, which increases projection even more and helps provide a buzzy, edgy sound.

As an example comparing the vintage classical mouthpiece sound with a modern classical mouthpiece sound, I will post two videos of the same piece. Keep in mind that one is on C-melody and one is on alto.

Here is Rudy Wiedoeft playing a vintage mouthpiece on a C-melody saxophone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=507B4-WrE0A

Here is Arno Bornkamp playing a modern classical mouthpiece on an alto saxophone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5Uz69KF4ao

Post Edited (2015-08-12 12:17)

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