Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2021-01-16 03:43
Ed wrote:
> Perhaps old habits die hard, but I use the term free blowing.
> To me, it does have a specific meaning. I would say that it
> refers to the amount of resistance that seems to be built in to
> the general character of a mouthpiece.
>
The issue, though, isn't whether or not a term is "useful to [you]." If it isn't generally useful - understood by the people you're describing the mouthpiece (instrument, reed or anything else musical or not) to, if it isn't meaningful to *them*, it's not much use as communication. It's the same problem as "bright" and "dark," which we hash over regularly ad nauseum.
> There are various mouthpieces that I have tried that have a
> built in resistance no matter what style or strength reed I
> use....
But if you need to explain all of that whenever you use the term, it's not an effective term. If you're having a discussion with a group of other people who have all been initiated into and agree on its meaning, you're on solid ground. Otherwise, you need to do some explaining each time you use it.
> Yes, there are many terms out there that are meaningless, but
> this is a term that works for me.
So, it's a good term for you to use, perhaps, when talking to yourself. Or to others who share your understanding.
> If others choose not to use
> it or believe in it, that is fine too.
It's not a question of choosing not to use it. Rather, it's a question of whether or not the people you're discussing (in this case) a mouthpiece with understand what you're saying.
I understand (from my own playing experience) your expanded explanation of blowing resistance and back pressure and even "hold." But I don't know without that kind of explanation what a person means by "free-blowing" - for instance whether it's the opposite of "pushing back" or of "stuffy." Does it allow the player to blow more air into it without interference, or does it allow control with minimal air and effort? Does "free-blowing" imply ease or compliance?
Shorthand can only communicate when everyone understands it.
Karl
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The Clarinet BBoard
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