 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Corey
Date: 2001-06-22 01:31
which type of mouthpieces are best wooden or rubber? i was wondering about trying a pomarico wooden or a gregory smith wooden mouthpiece( are they top quality proffessional mouthpieces?) any help will be much appreciated--corey
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Author: Bob Curtis
Date: 2001-06-22 01:56
Corey:
I would be very skeptical of any wooden mouthpiece because of the very high probability of warpage in one of these. I do know that historically wooden mouthpieces were used in the very early stages of the history of the clarinet, primarily because they did not have the materials we use today. Later came the hard rubber mouthpieces which were a great improvement, but still had some problems with warpage, but not as severe as the wooden ones. Later following WW2 (that's World War II) ebonite, the same material which is used in bowling balls, was introduced and it almost eliminated warpage. Most of the mouthpieces we use today are advanced formulas based on the ebonite principle. So, you can see why I am concerned. Maybe the new wooden mouthpieces are a blend of wood and some other material, I don't know. But, before I invested any money into one of these (or the rubber, as far as that goes), I don't care who makes them, I would investigate them VERY CAREFULLY!!
By the way, warpage is the very minute twisting of the lay of the mouthpiece which causes the reed not to sit flat and seal correctly when you play the instrument. It can cause all kinds of problems which only refacing can cure, or replacing the mouthpiece.
Bob Curtis
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Author: Bob Curtis
Date: 2001-06-22 02:15
Corey:
For some reason my e-mail address was left off in the above answer to your inquiry. I hope that it is posted with this reply.
Bob Curtis
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Author: Bob Curtis
Date: 2001-06-22 02:19
Corey:
I would be very skeptical of any wooden mouthpiece because of the very high probability of warpage in one of these. I do know that historically wooden mouthpieces were used in the very early stages of the history of the clarinet, primarily because they did not have the materials we use today. Later came the hard rubber mouthpieces which were a great improvement, but still had some problems with warpage, but not as severe as the wooden ones. Later following WW2 (that's World War II) ebonite, the same material which is used in bowling balls, was introduced and it almost eliminated warpage. Most of the mouthpieces we use today are advanced formulas based on the ebonite principle. So, you can see why I am concerned. Maybe the new wooden mouthpieces are a blend of wood and some other material, I don't know. But, before I invested any money into one of these (or the rubber, as far as that goes), I don't care who makes them, I would investigate them VERY CAREFULLY!!
By the way, warpage is the very minute twisting of the lay of the mouthpiece which causes the reed not to sit flat and seal correctly when you play the instrument. It can cause all kinds of problems which only refacing can cure, or replacing the mouthpiece.
Bob Curtis
(Mark - is my e-mail address not showing up? Bob Curtis, BobCPhoto@wcnet.net)
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Author: Gregory Smith
Date: 2001-06-22 02:59
Actually there is the possibility (not high probability) that hard rubber and hardwood mouthpieces may warp. It has not been my experience that properly aged hardwood of the highest quality to begin with will necessarily warp before hard rubber.
I own some old Buffet Grenadilla hardwood mouthpieces from the 20's that I restored over 10 years ago and they have not changed after playing them.
The German tradition of continuing to play hardwood mouthpieces throughout the last century speaks volumes to me. Remember that you have heard Karl Leister play many times on hardwood mouthpieces over the decades.
If a hardwood mouthpiece offers something to you that you are not able to acheive with a hard rubber mouthpiece, then there is every reason to play it if you can determine that it is of high quality material that has been aged properly.
As long as a properly aged hardwood mouthpiece is not subjected to rapid and drastic changes in temperature and humidity, there is no reason to be concerned about them changing anymore than their hard rubber counterparts.
Gregory Smith
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-06-22 13:56
After playing clarinet for 40 years this September, I've discovered that both mouthpieces eventually show some signs of wear over time. I have only recently purchased a couple of Greg Smith's wooden mouthpieces and find them most wonderful.
I also own a Kaspar Cicero 13 and a 1984 model Charles Bay Kaspar Cicero. The Bay has turned colors and is showing some signs of wear. I always use a mouthpiece protector (a thin one) and double lip, so I don't have tooth marks on any of my mouthpieces.
But, the hard rubber mouthpieces do sometimes warp a bit as well. I had a pro model that I paid over $200.00 for that had a weird tip warpage.
Corey, if you want to improve your tone, intonation, articulation and have an edge above the competition, get with Greg asap and have him send you a mouthpiece. If you don't want to start with wood, get one of his hard rubber models. You won't regret it!
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Author: Corey
Date: 2001-06-23 02:46
Mark Pinner-- why do you say "go Crystal or poly Crystal"? are they betterin your opinion? i thought about the Pyne polycrystal or the pomarico crystal (mostly about the pomarico one)-----thanks everyone for the input
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-06-23 14:29
Polycrystal is a clear plastic. Very nice & inexpensive mouthpiece by Pyne-Clarion (a Sneezy sponsor).
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