 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2023-12-12 23:14
Those of You using Wodkowski Mouthpieces, especially his latest, I am looking for some feedback. I posted on an older string that was over a year old, so thought perhaps I should post newly. Hope this is AOK, It's been awhile since I've been "here!"
I am awaiting two Mouthpieces to try out:
His new B1 and N2.
There is excitement in my heart given what so many of you have shared on the other string.
My current set up is:
Buffet R13 (from the 70's, yes I have now given away my age!)
Clark Fobes CWF (no star or mark above one of the letters) Clark said a 1.0 tip opening
Kaspar Ann Arbor (intermittently)
Ishimori & Bonade Inverted Ligatures
Legere Euro Cut 3.5
I've not used cane for over two years. Here in Minnesota with our weather changes, choosing my concert reed was like having three pitchers for your World Series Game #1, and not being sure who's going to get the call. The consistency of Euro cuts has me very happy, and very secure. I've been in touch with Brad Behn who has encouraged me to at least try his Aria reeds! Also one day, I will try out an Epic.
Can anyone comment or suggest your set up, your joys or challenges with the Wodkowski models that I have coming? Or simply your experience working with him? I am so excited to see if one of these mouthpieces plays like a dream.
I'd welcome any insights on what is working for you, or thoughts on my set up. Thank you so much!
Scott S
Clarinet
Central Lakes Wind Symphony
Brainerd Lakes, MN
Post Edited (2023-12-13 17:46)
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Author: klarinetkid
Date: 2023-12-28 19:11
I’ve been playing Wodkowski mouthpieces professionally for the last six years, mostly B1. (I had a really good N2, but a colleague of mine sounded so good on it I sold it to him.) Ramón’s mouthpieces respond effortlessly, tune well, and have a beautiful sound- truly some of the best mouthpieces I’ve tried. Not a lot of downsides to mention, except for my own weaknesses as a player!
He’s also very easy to work with through the mail, although if you can see him in person I recommend that. I can’t speak to how they work with synthetic reeds since I haven’t really delved into that, but all the standard brands work well- Vandoren, D’addario, etc…. I’m currently using Woodstone reeds and they work remarkably well with his new models (B1 for me).
Ramón has done extensive research into vintage mouthpieces- Kaspar, Chedeville, etc…. I’m sure he could recommend something to you if you speak to him. Here’s a sample of B1 from last season one of the times I subbed with St. Louis Symphony as guest principal:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrRU4yzN1gr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
And another sample a bit more close up:
https://youtube.com/shorts/sn_AvuPhFus?si=nZUc8Q5Vfr7eek2X
Both B1.
Sorry for the lengthy reply. I’m not a paid endorser, just a very happy customer.
Best of luck in your search!
John
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Author: Liquorice
Date: 2023-12-28 19:45
I prefer Ramon's mouthpieces over anything else that I've tried. I've been using his mouthpieces for at least 10 years and the new models are his best yet, with a hard rubber material which is more durable than the older models. I use the N1 (my favourite) and the N2, depending on repertoire. They give me everything that I need, with very little effort. And I'm really happy with the sound from the quietest pianissimo in chamber music to powerfully projecting a solo over a big symphony orchestra. I don't use synthetic reeds, but find these models very reed friendly with 3.5 V12s. I haven't tried the B1 model.
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Author: Ransome Fan
Date: 2023-12-28 23:41
I own a B1 mouthpiece that I’ve been playing with my Buffet R13 with a Moennig barrel. I like it better than anything that I’ve tried, except possibly for the N1 and N2 Wodkowski mouthpieces, which seem equally as good.
I had the good fortune once to have been allowed to choose my favorite of a dozen Frank Kaspar mouthpieces that belonged to my teacher. I chose one, and it was my favorite for many years until I tried a Gennusa that I liked better. I sold the Kaspar to Ronald Phillips, first chair of the Seattle Symphony. He liked my Kaspar.
When I eventually had the Gennusa refaced I sent it to Ramon. He let me try the B1, N2, and the N1. The Gennusa came back working exactly as I preferred, but the 3 Wodkowski mouthpieces were all so much better that I immediately switched. My only problem was in deciding which of the three I liked best.
I chose the B1, but I recently bought an N1 to use with a metal clarinet. The N1 has more back pressure, and it works better with clarinets that need more back pressure. I get a more solid tone in the throat register on those clarinets.
I’d like to get an N2 also. There are times when I think I’d prefer it with the Buffet R13. Really, I like each of the Wodkowski mouthpieces so much that I want them all. Nothing else compares to them, at least for my taste.
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2024-01-01 01:12
Thanks so much for your insightful reply and helpful info, John!
And congrats on such wonderful clips, too! You sound amazing on Ramon's B1!
I appreciate your taking the time to get back to me AND for your sound examples as well.
Can't wait to get my mouthpieces in the mail soon!
All My Best to You for a Wonderful New Year!
Thank-you again!
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2024-01-01 01:17
Thank-you very much for your helpful reply, Liquorice! The N2 is one of the mouthpieces that I will receive very soon, and so I appreciate your testimony on that and the N1.
Ten years is quite a testimony for usage, and I respect that a ton.
Your comment on dynamic control means a lot to me as well, as one of my recent concerns with my current set-up is my lack of projection above those around me when I really need to "send" a solo line. The pp and ppp is amazing with my current gear, but the ff and fff just doesn't do it for me.
Thank-you again! And Happy New Year to You & Yours!
Scott S
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2024-01-01 01:20
Hey Ransome Fan!
Your info and feedback is truly helpful! Thank-you so much!
The N2 and B1 will be arriving to me in the next several weeks or month or so. And I am elated.
Your feedback is extremely interesting to me, and helps me anticipate possibilities for my own playing. Like you, I've had Kaspars in my life. And while there are "moments" with those that feel not replaceable, I find the resistance to be a bit much in certain areas of my range.
Your sharing that Wodkowski's were ALL better than your Gennusa and Kaspars really has me fired up.
Thanks for your share, and sincerely wishing you and yours a wonderful New Year!!
Sincerely,
Scott S
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2024-01-01 17:32
Hey Evert,
The N2 and the B1 that Ramon is sending to me are $450 each. He allows a free trial to decide.
Scott
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Author: graham
Date: 2024-01-01 19:47
What little I can add to the erudite points above is as follows:
Since 2016 I have played on a close facing Wodkowski which was made around the time he launched the 'Philidelphia', and which may actually be a philidelphia (though not sold as such nor marked with any identifying code or name). I use this exclusively on my pair of 'Hawkes Martels'. These are very different however from 1970s R13s, so any read-across would be limited. I firmly beleive that mouthpieces and instruments work together, such that a mouthpiece which is so-so on one instrument can shine on another, and vice versa.
I think that some of my best playing in recent times has been on this mouthpiece/instrument set up, though that does not mean that it is the best mouthpiece I have or that it is noticeably superior. But it has clear advantages over others in that the matching with these instruments is good, it is easy to play in terms of stamina, and it responds well to a wide variety of reeds.
These days I mainly use Marca American Vintage soprano sax reeds (Note, not the clarinet version) on this and most of my other set ups. Soprano sax reeds are not often used on clarinets, but they are compatible in almost all cases (subject to ligature compatibility) and I find these reeds more to suit my sound concept than any clarinet reeds. It's worth noting that the wider blade of these reeds is the same width as the European Cut Legere, which is wider than the usual clarinet reed width.
Currently, I have started also using a Legere European Cut strength 3 reed as well, and this is showing promise. However, I have done relatively little playing on it and it may prove to be a dead end. In particular I have yet to play in any ensemble with it, though I have done such playing on other mouthpieces with other Legeres. But each mouthpiece/clarinet set up naturally gives rise to differing results with such reeds. On the Wodkowski, I already have a question mark over the reliablity of altissimo above E, but that could be a matter of acclimatisation to the inevitable differences in the response of the Legere on that set up. A clear fact however is that the sound is broader and 'fluffier' than with the Marcas, and it could well be a case of 'horses for courses' depending on rep and mood.
My situation is likely to be remote from yours, particularly by reference to the different acoustic design of your instrument. For that reason, the previous responses are likely to have been more helpful.
graham
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2024-01-03 03:07
Hi Graham,
Thank-you for sharing!
I found your post very interesting and enlightening.
The interesting acoustic information on equipment and "fit," as you say, is great insight.
The Legere Euro Cut reeds that I have been utilizing these past two years are, as you shared, a different dimension than typical cane clarinet reeds. And that wider cut is working very well for me. Though it actually took several weeks for me to "acclimatize" with the unique cut. Once I reached a deeper understanding of the response and tone on my various mouthpieces and ligature combinations, I have now stopped looking at cane.
There are a few cane reeds that I might try in the future, just to see...But I am truly finding a great fit with me for dynamic expression, articulation, intonation, and tone with these. My hope with the new Wodkowskis is that tone will improve even further. And from the testimonies above, I am excited indeed.
Thank-you again for your feedback!
All My Best!
Scott S
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Author: Jon P
Date: 2024-01-04 04:21
I have been playing on Wodkowski mouthpieces since 2006 - in fact, I believe I was one of Ramon's first customers when he was based in London at that time. At that stage he was refacing various vintage mouthpieces for me and I truly believe that the outstanding quality of his work was a major contributing factor to my development and success as a clarinettist in London. His expertise in the art of mouthpiece crafting, and his knowledge of the various different playing styles and approaches across the globe, meant that he has always been able to understand exactly what I am looking for in a mouthpiece.
It's been interesting to see how his work has developed over the years, and I've always been keen to try any new models as they have been released. I switched to his own models around 2016 and I've used them with great success ever since. In my opinion, there is nothing else out there on the market which is comparable.
I visited Ramon at his home in Michigan a couple of weeks ago to get my collection of Wodkowski mouthpieces refreshed and improved, and also to try to some new models. Quite honestly, I was blown away by the quality of the work and with what he was able to achieve with my existing older Wodkowski mouthpieces. They were always good, but now they are transformed into something even better. The new models he is now producing are exceptional - I ended coming away with several, of various models and tip openings. These include the N1, N2 and also a new blank he has just developed, for players who prefer mouthpieces with medium and open tip openings. The new material seems really robust and resonant and I'm really excited about trying these out in the orchestra.
I would highly recommend these new Wodkowski mouthpieces to any clarinettist interested in a mouthpiece which has easy response, effortless projection, loads of flexibility and a beautiful colourful tone.
Jonathan Parkin
BBC Symphony Orchestra, London
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2024-01-04 06:12
It appears that Wodkowski's website has not been mentioned above.
So, here it is with detailed information about his Newest Series: N2, N1, B1; Midwest Series: 1 and N; and European Series: H and 4 mouthpieces:
https://ramonwodkowski.com/mouthpieces/
Edited to include all listed mouthpieces.
Post Edited (2024-01-05 00:00)
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Author: graham
Date: 2024-01-04 14:54
Hi Jonathan
As an Eb player amongst other things have you discussed with Ramon the possibility of him producing other mouthpieces such as for Eb, bass, alto?
graham
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Author: Jon P
Date: 2024-01-04 17:50
Hi Graham,
I believe Ramon is currently working on a new bass clarinet mouthpiece which will hopefully be available soon, and I'd imagine E flat will also happen in due course!
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2024-01-04 22:38
Thank you for sharing the website with everyone, Dan!
I have been perusing that regularly, and truly enjoy the reading!
Scott
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2024-01-04 22:48
Dear Jonathan,
I deeply appreciate your taking the time to respond with such historic and exuberant endorsement of Ramon and his work! After reading your post, I did some listening to the BBC Orchestra as well. Such an incredible orchestra. Congratulations on your fairly recent attainment of that professional ensemble!
It has been a wonder to anticipate the B1 and the N2 soon arriving at my home to "audition." As one who has enjoyed some vintage Kaspars, the Fobes CWF, and the Greg Smith 1+ over the years ~ I knew that I was ready for a new mouthpiece. The "easy response, effortless projection, loads of flexibility and a beautiful colourful tone" that you share is exactly what I'm excited to discover.
Your history and your level of playing is inspiring to me. Again, thank-you so much for your helpful response and share here. It means a ton to me.
All My Best in Your Upcoming 2024 Season, Jonathan!
Sincerely,
Scott Sater
Clarinetist
CLC Wind Symphony/Brainerd, MN
Borealis Orchestra/Grand Marais, MN
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2024-01-08 02:24
I just found this on YouTube. John Kurokawa plays a Wodkowski new Kaspar N1, a Chedeville B1, and an old John Denman model made from an Artistic facing blank (Chedeville).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TPMp_lAZ_A
I particularly enjoyed John's super fast staccato playing. However, IMHO, this type of playing wouldn't be possible unless the mouthpieces he played were able to respond to such ultra quick tonguing.
I hope you enjoy it.
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2024-01-08 19:26
Thanks so much for sharing this link for all, Dan!
I, too, found it enjoyable when I discovered it recently!
I'm stoked, because my mouthpieces should be arriving today!
All My Best,
Scott 🙂
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2024-01-17 19:09
REVIEW of Ramon Wodkowski N2 Mouthpiece Purchased TODAY!
Thanks to all of the above who shared insights and experiences with your Ramon Wodkowski Mouthpieces. I have now purchased the N2 from Ramon, and would like to share my thoughts and reason for my choice after a week plus of testing and playing.
First and foremost, if you already know of Ramon's excellent work, this will simply reinforce your experiences. If you are "new" to learning about him, this may be enlightening and edifying toward your considerations.
I know that each of us is unique in our embouchure, clarinet choices, ligature choices, reed choices, and of course the all-important mouthpiece choice. And of course pros sound amazing on many different models and designs of each of these.
However, I want to share my own recent journey with coming to know Ramon online, working with him, and landing on his amazing N2. I followed his recommendation of the B1 and the N2, two of his new creations. He guided me based on communication with him about what I have been using with all of my clarinet gear.
He not only uses his computer technology to get all the essential details set by spec, but then hand finishes, play tests and voices them himself and THEN...sends them to you. So this is absolutely a custom design by Ramon himself, not a machine stamped "copy" of a line. He does all the fine work by hand.
For me this week, Ramon's N2 delivered the following while working on concert lit, etudes, ballads, technical exercises, and more:
*Dynamic Extremes Were Beautifully Attainable, from ppp to fff
*A Powerful Focused Sound that will "Cut Through" an Orchestra or Band
*A Lovely Colorful Tone with All the Overtone Colors
*Solid Articulation of Staccato, Accent, Legato All Easily Accomplished
*Evenness of Tone/Consistency Across the Chalumeau, Clarion, Altissimo Registers
*In Tune at All Levels with My Tuner
*Warm Consistent Tone in All Ranges
I felt that I could "dance" and "sing" through whatever passage I was playing. It felt like a new relationship with my clarinet.
For me, the N2 "won out," but many love the B1 as well! Certainly to each person comes this personal experience. I am not dissing the other artisans of my former mouthpieces at all. There is a place in the world for them, and they do excellent work. I just want to share my deep joy over this next level for me with Ramon's N2. I cannot wait to deepen my dive in the multiple ensembles in which I share art and connection with wonderful people.
This is the mouthpiece for me! Fantastic, and I highly recommend giving it a "ride!" The $450 is worth every dime to me, because again, it is hand finished and play tested by Ramon himself. Connecting with several people above, including a world class performer in the BBC Orchestra who uses Ramon's mouthpieces...truly motivated me.
The B1 was terrific, but the N2 just had something magical in its tone that stood out for me.
I have a journey ahead to continue my musical "climb." I could not feel more blessed and jubilant than to do so with Ramon Wodkowski's N2.
Also he was wonderful to work with. Answered all of my questions and guided me throughout the process!
Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
Scott S
Central Lakes College Wind Symphony/Brainerd, MN
Borealis Orchestra/Grand Marais, MN
Post Edited (2024-01-17 19:37)
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Author: klarinetkid
Date: 2024-01-19 07:04
Scott,
I'm really glad you're happy with your purchase! Don't forget that as it gets on in years, you can have him touch it up to get playing as good as new- one of the perks of working with a mouthpiece craftsman.
Not to toot my own horn or hijack this thread, but I've done a video on handcrafted vs. machine made mouthpieces; you might enjoy it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2901ba2tXg&t=174s&ab_channel=JohnKurokawa
Congrats!
JK
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2024-01-19 17:09
Hey JK!
Thanks for this share! No "hi-jacking" at all 🙂!
This is a great video that is very insightful and helpful. You bring up terrific considerations and elements of choice in the pursuit of a quality mouthpiece that fits the player.
I had seen this already and will be watching it again! Thanks also for your shared joy with me over my purchase! I am thrilled to have Ramon's N2, and performed with it last night! It was fabulous!
I appreciate your reminding me of the ongoing relationship with Ramon for future adjustments, too. You are a positive artistic presence with your videos, John. A gem!
Thank you!
Scott S
🙂
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Author: Ed
Date: 2024-01-19 19:53
It is great that we have so many options these days. I am sure I will forget a few makers, but off the top of my head we have Clark Fobes, Lee Livengood, Brad Behn, Dave McClune, Walter Grabner, Richard Hawkins, Chris Hill, Mike Lomax. Mark Szavin sells refaced blanks here in the ads and on ebay and does quality work. I have also heard good things about Mike Dassios in Canada. There are probably a number of others as well as some up and coming people.
Having the internet has really changed that landscape. Years ago players finding a hand crafted mouthpiece was often a case of "I know a guy who knows a guy" and tracking down someone's address or phone number. It usually meant making a trip to some location or getting something through the mail and hoping for the best. We that there are so many options and these makers are so accessible.
Of course, this smorgasbord of choices has led to players with boxes filled with dozens of mouthpieces as they want to try each and every possibility!
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2024-01-19 20:13
Amen to your post, Ed! SO true!
I've been blessed over time to play a couple of Kaspars that I "found" online, enjoy the artistry and artisanship of Greg Smith, Clark Fobes, and now Ramon Wodkowski! Your list is good!
Hopefully each person finds that best balance between their artistic pursuit and financial affordability.
I am elated now with the journey I'm on. Wishing you the best as well!
Scott S
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2024-03-02 21:56
One and a half months in on Ramon Wodkowski's N2 Mouthpiece!
Just want to update on my use of Ramon's N2.
It has been pure bliss for me. Honestly the best clarinet mouthpiece for me that I have yet experienced.
Playing in two ensembles with this, I am finding incredible ease of air flow, dynamic power at all register levels, wonderful articulation, and impeccable intonation consistency.
My set-up is:
Buffet R-13 Clarinet
Ishimori Gold Plated Copper Ligature
Legere 3.5 European Cut Reeds
Ramon Wodkowski N2 Mouthpiece
Of note for me also is the excellence of Clark Fobes CWF, Kaspar San Francisco, and for years the Greg Smith Mouthpiece. These artisans are also amazing.
For me now, the "evolution" is the Wodkowski. I am thrilled to be feeling and hearing new levels for me as a player. Just wanted to share the joy.
All My Best to Each of You!
Scott S
:)
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Author: graham
Date: 2024-03-03 23:16
Hi Scott
You have reminded me that my previous post referred to early consideration of Legere Euro cut reeds on my RW mouthpiece. I have now put this through a few sessions and generally feel that it works well. In my case this is using a strength 3.
I have also very recently tried a 3.25 French cut Legere. This shows some promise, but I suspect that the Euro cut will be more successful over all. But the French cut may work best on a vintage mp I possess.
graham
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2024-03-04 04:59
Hi Graham,
Thanks for your message! Yes, I really feel the N2 and the Euro Cut are a splendid match. I also tried the French Cut 3.25 with it, and while that was also excellent, the Euro cut just had a bit of an edge with tone production and consistency. That being said, my Fobes CWF seems to be wedded bliss with the French Cut, adding some nuances that were missing with the Euro Cut on that.
I apologize for not recalling which RW mouthpiece you have. Thanks for your share.
Scott
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