 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Sara
Date: 2001-06-16 16:39
Could someone please tell me how to read the mouthpiece chart in the Woodwind or other catalogue? It makes zero since, so please start with the basics.
Thanks.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2001-06-16 22:21
Let me explain how I use the chart, assuming you are referring to the one in the WoodwindandBrasswind catalog.
Names of mpc makers listed in left column. Number associated with facing (not sure what the number itself represents - maybe facing length - see definitions on Sneezy web page given below) across the top row. Maker's model numbers in the boxes, reading across the row with the maker's name.
I look at the Vandoren web page, and compare Vandoren descriptions to the other makers/models.
http://www.vandoren.com/Product/vanMID.htm
Go to the above web page, and select mouthpieces/Bb.
There's some good info (definitions) on the following Sneezy web page.
http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/Equipment/MBL/Mouthpiece.html
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-06-16 23:47
The numbers across the top represent tip opening not facing length. The smaller the number, the smaller the opening. Smaller openings generally require harder reeds to work well while larger openings generally require softer reeds to work well.
For example, for the Vandoren B45, Vandoren recommends reeds equivalent to Vandoren 2.5 to 3.5 (this would be 3 to 4 in most other brands). For the Vandoren 5RV mouthpiece, which has a smaller tip opening than the B45, Vandoren recommends the equivalent of Vandoren 3 to 4 reeds (3.5 to 4.5 in most other brands).
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2001-06-19 05:06
Why would one want to play a closed mp vs. a more open mp. It would seem to me that it is easier to play with an open vs. a closed.
What am I missing?
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-06-19 11:31
A more open mouthpiece is less resistant, generally louder, but also more shrill on the upper notes unless the player is very, very good.
A more closed mouthpiece makes it easier to keep the high notes under control with good tone. However it will be a bit more resistant and may limit how loud you can play.
Bonade recommends that players stay in the medium range on tip opening, neither extremely closed or extremely open.
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Author: Chris Hill
Date: 2001-06-20 03:53
The facing is also referred to as the resistance curve. When some players want me to add more resistance to a mouthpiece, they have me open the facing. Conversely, they have me close them down when they want to eliminate some of the resistance. A close facing actually takes less air pressure and embouchure pressure to get the reed to vibrate. If you use too much of either, this type of mouthpiece/reed combination will not work well. Also, too soft of a reed on a close facing will make it feel resistant. An open facing such as a B45 is louder, but I have difficulty controlling the sound and pitch with them. One thing I have noticed is that the resistance a player feels is sometimes based upon the way they play. I have a friend who says that my set-up is too resistant, yet when I try his set-up, I can't even get the reed to vibrate unless I completely change the way I play. I need to bite a lot and use about twice the amount of air.
I'm in the middle of moving this week, so if I'm not clear, I apologize. My brain is mush right now!
Chris
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