 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Thomas Lee
Date: 2002-01-18 23:02
Hello I just spoke to mr hawkins, and he is going to send me some of his mouthpieces to try out.
I just wanted to know what you guys think of his mouthpieces and what should I
expect in terms of playing characteristics, the mouthpieces that he is sending to me are his standard customs, and he is sending some of his new chedevilles.
so what do you guys think?
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Author: ClairGirl
Date: 2002-01-19 04:15
I am playing on a Hawkins and I don't really like it. I don't sound bad, per say, but any articulations feel slow and awkward sometimes. I also don't like the sound. I haven't looked for anything I like better and i'm pretty much stuck with this because this is what we use at the college I go to. I use a "B" facing. Maybe you'll have better luck with the other styles.
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Author: Jason
Date: 2002-01-19 05:22
"this is what we use at the college I go to. "
I never understood how a teacher could force all of his students to play on the same equipment like that. I understand the argument that it is easier to teach with everyone on the same platform, easier to blend ensembles, etc, but it seems to me that one should have the freedom to play on whatever he finds makes the most attractive sound. Not to say that teachers shouldn't recommend certain products, but to force everyone to play on a single type of mouthpiece because that's what "WE" do, just seems a little off-base. As an example, the two clarinets in my local orchestra play on completely different mouthpiece setups, one very open and the other very closed, and yet they blend superbly because the have the same tonal concept. Though I will concede that the 2nd player had to switch from Buffet to Yamaha after the first player did because they couldn't get quite together pitch-wise on the different instruments ;-)
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Author: James
Date: 2002-01-19 14:51
I am very shocked to hear you guys say this. Richard makes amazing mouthpieces. They have a great sound, easier articulation. He does make his mouthpieces in two different styles. His B and his standard, both really good. If you notice all his mouthpieces are different, he trys not to make them too consistent so you can find the right one for you. He would he even face a mouthpiece personally for you if you asked him. These mouthpieces are just excellent darn..... i mean larry combs doesn't mind using them, i sure as heck dont. And i don't mean any offense but any real problems playing clarinet do not lie with in that mouthpiece.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2002-01-19 18:52
I think that it might be more accurate to state that Hawkins makes amazing mouthpieces for your tastes. I am not saying that his mouthpieces are not fine mouthpieces, but instead saying that everyone has different tastes and likes different things. What works great for one person may not work for another, due to physical differences or differences in concept. It is also likely impossible to find any two mouthpieces that are exactly alike. I know of some mouthpieces out there that colleagues of mine use and sound great on and I just can't play them.
To Clairgirl above, try a variety of reeds and different strengths. Sometimes you will find that your problem is that you need to rethink your set up on a particular mouthpiece. You might also try contacting Richard to see what he suggests. You might see if he can make some adjustments for you. Alos, since you say that others in your school use the same thing, see if you can try other mouthpieces and have the same problem. Good luck.
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Author: ClairGirl
Date: 2002-01-20 05:22
Thanks Ed, for the advice. James, i'm not shooting down these mouthpiece. All i'm saying is that I personally feel I could be getting more from a different mouthpiece. I can live with this mouthpiece, but I know that I want to continue to look for one that will suit my needs better. Simply because it is labeled with a certain brand doesn't mean I should accept that this is the "ideally perfect" mouthpiece meant for every clarinettist, and if I don't like it then there is something wrong with me or my playing, because "even Larry Combs doesn't mind using them." I guess it is a bit shocking that we all don't fit the same mouthpiece, but that is how we keep the mouthpiece makers in business I suppose! ( ;
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