 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: GoldhawkRoad
Date: 2026-07-24 05:04
Is it just to correct defects in mouthpieces that otherwise have desirable qualities, or can you add qualities that a mouthpiece didn't have before? For example, I love my selmer focus bass mouthpiece. Playing it feels great, and I truly love the sound it offers, but projecting in an orchestra requires way too much effort; can refacing rectify that, or is it better just to search elsewhere at that point. Any insights appreciated!
Post Edited (2026-07-24 05:05)
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Author: Micke Isotalo ★2017
Date: 2026-07-24 19:07
Typically refacing is done to restore a facing due to wear, or sometimes to alter playability in a way preferred by the player. However, it alone hardly alters any basic properties of the mouthpiece, such as projection. For that purpose I would look for another one, which hopefully would combine both better projection and the kind of playability you prefer.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2026-07-24 21:40
I agree with Micke. You may invariably find that you lose things about your mouthpiece that you like when changing aspects of the facing and not gain what you want. I find it better just start trying others until you get closer to what you want. That way, you can always GO BACK if you change your mind.
............Paul Aviles
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Author: donald
Date: 2026-07-25 03:22
I more or less agree with above, though sometimes an expert craftsperson will adjust rail thickness (this can be a "personal preference" factor, but also must match the facing that's applied. As an example, the super thick rails of the old Dan Johnston mouthpieces required a facing curve that was quite unique in order to free up response). This usually has more influence on back-pressure and resistance/response but MAY also brighten the sound. Not a given however....
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Author: David Eichler
Date: 2026-07-25 11:25
How do you know the problem isn't you and not the equipment? Are you an expert professional player with years of experience playing in large ensembles? If not, do you have a teacher? If not, why not? If you are not a highly experienced pro, at teacher should be the one advising you, not people who have no idea what your level of experience or playing capabilities are. Besides which other elements of equipment can also have a bearing on projection too.
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Author: GoldhawkRoad
Date: 2026-07-25 13:52
I appreciate your skepticism. I also agree that the player has the most affect over these things. I think that equipment can make life easier too. The selmer focus I play has a beautiful, dark and covered sound, but it doesn't do me any favors in terms of projecting/cutting through. I suppose I am trying to have my cake and eat it too. As to your last point, I'd rather get a new mouthpiece than a new bass clarinet! (A new neck though is a possibility...)
Post Edited (2026-07-25 14:04)
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Author: GoldhawkRoad
Date: 2026-07-25 14:05
Thanks for the advice, everyone! A very interesting part of the profession that I'm glad to learn a bit more about.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2026-07-25 18:12
I had a go at refacing a cheap plastic mouthpiece and besides altering the tip opening and length of lay as well as the rail thicknesses, it also significantly changed the tone and response compared to how it played before, so there are other factors to consider and the owner really needs to be present at every stage for their input.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Mojo
Date: 2026-07-25 18:36
A facing measurement and analysis might find some irregularities. Bumps, flats, unevenness. If corrected, the response should improve. This should give you the sensation that the sound you like is a little easier to produce. More sound with less effort. You may even need a little stiffer reed to compensate.
Opening the tip and letting the baffle rise some will give more projection. But this will come with some tonal and articulation trade off. If you go just a little, you might like it. But there is a risk you won’t.
MojoMP.com
Mojo Mouthpiece Work LLC
MojoMouthpieceWork@yahoo.com
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