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Re: Buffet RC - Replace cork with neoprene?

Author: Brad Behn
Date: 2017-01-19 00:10

I make my mouthpieces with O-ring tenons and have received a lot of positive feedback. I have many different sizes so anyone can custom fit to their barrel dimensions, they are easily replaceable by anyone without need of a repair technician, and they allow the mouthpiece to slip on and off with much less effort, while maintaining a good secure seal. Furthermore, in my opinion they create a more efficient transfer of energy whereas cork dampens things. I am convinced O-rings function better in EVERY way.

Lubrication of the tenon should be done differently however. Instead of lubing the male tenon as one would do on cork, with O-rings one should lubricate the female socket. Cork grease works fine. I have some dedicated O-ring lubrication which lasts months, and creates such a slick and secure fit that I can easily slip my mouthpiece in and out of the barrel socket by gripping with my thumb and pinky fingers apposed.

Cork has issues:

1. In time with use, cork will compress as the cellular structure can't maintain its original integrity. This compression creates a wiggle fit which can also leak air. Dangerous squeaks and instability can arise.

2. I have seen many mouthpiece tenons compromised when a repair technician sands the cork down and ends up beveling the edges of the mouthpiece tenon in the process. Indeed any quality repair technician would be conscientious of this possibility, but it happens all too often. A beveled tenon will create a wobbly fit, and that wobble will lead to air leaking and or squeaks.

3. To replace a tenon, a repair technician typically charges from $15 on up. I have seen a repair technician in NYC charge $45 for a mouthpiece tenon cork. O-rings just pop on and off - anyone can do it for free. It is easy.

4. When cork is new it requires frequent lubrication, and when it is well used lubrication creates a wobbly fit. It is a moving target.

I haven't experimented with O-rings on clarinets so I can't speak with certainty there, however I welcome any interesting ideas to find something better than cork. I am confident that O-rings are a wonderful solution when properly implemented, fitted, and lubricated where mouthpieces are concerned. And I for one feel that they offer real potential in the music industry.

And with respect to other synthetic options. Why not! If they can be proven to work better than cork, then I say it is an advancement.

Brad Behn
http://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com

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