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Re: Anchor tonguing

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-10-23 21:31

I almost hate to ask since your main story is in the distant past........but,

Was there a PROBLEM with how you sounded? Did you feel that you could/should improve vastly and the anchor tonguing was a literal wall against this progress?

As for the soreness. That could also just be some really sharp teeth, but then you probably already know whether it was or not being in "the business." I use a leather patch (from blue jean leather patches chosen specifically for proper thickness) over my lower teeth to obtain comfort and can go three or four hours easy with no discomfort at all.

Since you are "starting over," and also seem to be open to new ideas I would suggest looking at using a German mouthpiece on your Boehm clarinet if only for a couple years of training.

Hear me out.

So, the German approach is to use a long facing with a small tip opening (1.00mm or less) and a SOFT reed .........standard operating procedure is the use of Vandoren Classic White Master #2 1/2. What you get is a system that allows you to just put it in your mouth and blow.

Bas DeJong has been representing Viotto mouthpieces (the N1 facing) and modifying them (shave a mm from the diameter and a mm off the length of the tenons) to use on Boehm clarinets. Now there are some small intonation issues that would only confuse newbies to the clarinet, but we all know that everyone needs to make adjustments all the time and this is just another few added to the pile (not insurmountable at all).

When I first tried this (and I was sooooo close to not even pairing the N1 Viotto mouthpiece with the soft reeds) my reaction was, "Gosh, this is like being in beginner band all over again!" However, the next day as I was recounting the last day's experience I recalled getting a beautiful sound and good dynamic contrast (very much UNLIKE beginner band). I then spent about two years down this path learning so much about the clarinet that previously didn't know and this was all after JUST retiring from the Army Band program!!!!

Anyway for about $280 US dollars it might be worth a shot.

......................Paul Aviles

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Anchor tonguing new

JP0193

2019-10-23 18:27