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Re: MP measurements

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2018-05-20 02:54

Ken Lagace wrote:

> How about sinking the tapered gauge in between the glass and
> the mouthpiece and marking on the gauge where it stops, or by
> eye, and using a calibrated caliper to measure the taper at
> that point.

Interesting. One taper gauge, which I seem to remember was also supplied with the Brand kit because of some problem they were having with the dial gauges, measures with the caliper exactly what the gradations on the taper say. The other taper gauge is at most .01 off.

So, my gauges don't seem to be the problem. I've also dug up my copy of the Brand Band Instrument Repairing Manual, in which he describes (with accompanying drawings) how to use the gauge properly, so I don't think there can be anything wrong with my measuring method.

Still, one mouthpiece that's supposed to be 1.03mm shows 1.07mm for me. Another that's advertised as 0.96mm for me measures a whopping 1.07mm. Another of the same model with the same nominal facing is 1.04mm. I do have a Rico Reserve X0 and an X5 that measure .99mm and 1.06mm respectively, so they're very close. Other mouthpieces produce differences between what's advertised and what I get.

I'm left with the assumption that either (a) the commercially advertised tip measurements are wrong or (b) they're somehow being taken in a different way. I don't want to identify specific mouthpieces. The tip opening isn't ultimately what's important. What's important is the way a mouthpiece plays, and all of the mouthpieces in question play quite well. I'm certain the explanation isn't sloppy measuring or workmanship at the facer's end - they're all highly reputable and produce quite good mouthpieces. But, still, I'm intrigued by the differences. Are there other measuring tools in use that may measure at a different point on the rail from the spot touched by a taper gauge inserted into the opening?

My apologies to Fergi for hi-jacking this thread, but references to "official" measurements have lately been a trigger for me.

Karl

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