Author: Matt74
Date: 2018-08-11 06:55
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I wish mouthpiece makers would give enough information so that you could make an educated guess as to whether one piece would have similar qualities to another. You know, so that you could at least eliminate ones you don’t want, or identify things you like. For example, “I like B45, so I might like [fill-in-the-blank].”
It makes sense that the combination of elements is more important than any one measurement, but descriptions are usually vague at best, if not outright contradictory. “Smooth with just the right amount of edge.”
“Free-blowing” should be banned forever. “Less resistant” would be ok.
They usually give tip opening and lay, but this doesn’t tell you a whole lot (IMO). Things that would be helpful:
Bore (mm)
Chamber size (s,m,l)
Chamber type (round, “A”, parallel, etc.)
Baffle (shallow, deep, rollover)
Rails (narrow, wide)
Tip (narrow, wide)
If you had the bore measurement, finding a piece that played in tune would be easier (with or without a tapered barrel).
Exact measurements aren’t necessary, but general characteristics would be extremely informative. Better descriptions of what it is intended to do would also be helpful - like “round tone, intended as a chamber piece”, or “edgy for orchestral playing”. Not, “A warm sound with projection, equally sutable for outdoor playing or intimate settings.” “Similar to Kaspar”, not “reminiscent of the great players of the past”. “Flexible, requiring control” or “solid as a rock”, not “frees your personal sound.” Custom makers do better than the big guys, but it’s still pretty opaque.
While it is possible that some customers would rule out pieces they *might* like, it is more probable that more customers would find what they like more easily, and be more happy. They might be quicker to actually try something, rather than just worrying about it. They would certainly know more about mouthpieces and appreciate the craftsmanship more. As it is, buying a mouthpiece online is kind of like trying to be “Carnac the Magnificent”. [Attached - Carnac looking for a mouthpiece online.]
Physical characteristics would be best, but you could also rate them more-less resistant, brighter-darker, flexible-stable, loud-soft, etc. This depends on the player to a degree, but I know I do not want a less resistant, brighter, flexible piece with a large tip opening.
I’m pretty ignorant about it. Makers would be much better about determining what the most relevant bits of info would be from a player’s perspective.
- Matthew Simington
Post Edited (2018-08-11 08:08)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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