 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: mark smith
Date: 2002-10-02 20:46
Well I'm on my way up to see mr johnston this weekend to try some mouthpieces and for those who all ready have one of his mouthpieces
I just would like to know what should I expect when I try them out and how does mr johnston work. I hear he is very thorough in helping you to find the right mouthpiece for you.
ANY THOUGHTS
THANKS!
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Author: Linus Travelli
Date: 2002-10-02 20:56
how far are u traveling?
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Author: William
Date: 2002-10-02 21:38
The important factor in selecting a mouthpiece, clarinet, job, new home, wife or pedigre of canine, you must be the one that is satisfied--and it is best that you are not influenced by the biased opinions of others. Although I no nothing of his mouthpieces, all the information I have heard and read about his products are positive. But remember that even the mouthpiece "giants" such as the Kaspars and the Chedevelles have made less than "good" mouthpieces, so be sure to use your best reed (two or three is better)and try more than one mouthpiece to insure you make a good choice for your playing needs. Then, after you find a good one that you like, play it against your own--and go with the one that plays best. It is always fun to work directly with the experts--good luck and enjoy.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-10-02 22:39
Mark -
Mouthpiece makers have to believe in themselves, so they usually have substantial egos. Don't mention other makers, and be generally polite.
You have to please yourself, but you also have to say nice things to them and listen hard to what they say they hear when you try various alterations.
Almost any hand-finished mouthpiece will play better than what you're playing now. Listen hard to each other and things will come out fine.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: t
Date: 2002-10-03 12:52
Other than the obvious, yuck I hate this one,
I have never had luck "hearing" the subtle
differences in intonation while playing. I
keep an old Sony hand-held recorder and record
myself, and playback. If you can hear yourself
over the vibrations in your head from playing,
more power to you.
Speaking as one who has tried 30+ mouthpieces,
and am estatic over my current one, this is
an excellent task you have set yourself on!
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Author: d dow
Date: 2002-10-03 13:35
I would also think that you should find a mouthpiece that it is fairly easy to get reeds to work on. If the mouthpiece is fussy and requires a finnicky reed than it's not worth it.
I think that you should note a immediate improvement in tone and tuning and find that it is easy to produce a full unforced tone and yet also a good stable piano and consequently you may have something.
If it is a good one make sure you mark it with a sticker or something to differentiate from the other numerous ones you are trying.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-10-03 13:55
David -
I'm less sure than you about finickiness. Tom Ridenour, who's an excellent player, prefers a close facing with hard reeds, even though it's hard to fit reeds to them. They have to be just right, but it's nothing you can't do with careful balancing of the reed. He says, and I agree, that this kind of setup results in better tone.
The same thing goes for Pyne's asymmetrical facings. These definitely take getting used to, and your reeds have to be slightly unbalanced in the opposite direction. Nevertheless, a lot of people (e.g., Ricardo Morales) play beautifully on Pyne mouthpieces.
Nevertheless, I'm old and lazy and so play on a mouthpiece that's slightly more open than medium. It's definitely less finicky.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-10-03 14:27
As one who has made the Hajj, I recommend you do things HIS way.
You're paying for Dr. J's expertise as much as anything.
It may not take long for him to determine what is best.
Make certain your horn is in proper repair.
Have a good reed.
Bring a carrot or fresh apple for the Mule.
Dan doesn't need to be impressed by your facility, so relax...
it's not a test.
I've been playing my DJ for two years and love it; it was worth the 8 hours driving!
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Author: Erin
Date: 2002-10-03 15:56
Where is Dan Johnston's studio and does he do good work on E-flat mouthpieces?
eb
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Author: Ed
Date: 2002-10-03 16:51
My only advice is that you should trust your ears and feel. Do not buy anything unless you are convinced that it is the best for you. Sometimes, when working with someone on mouthpieces, it is easy to fall for the sales pitch and then find you walk away with something you don't like. Good luck.
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Author: mark smith
Date: 2002-10-03 18:07
Is it true he prefers that you use a softer strength reed with his mouthpieces?
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Author: Cami
Date: 2002-10-04 20:30
I went to Buffalo to visit Mr. Johnston and found a wonderful mpc. He had me play on several blanks and from there was able to determine a few mouthpieces that might work for me based on those blanks and what he heard. I tried about four or five and found the one for me! I think he was wonderful to work with and very open minded.
Good luck,
Cami
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-10-04 22:38
Erin- he's in Buffalo, NY.
He was principal Eefer out that-away for years, so he KNOWS.
There's no sales pitch... he's a no-nonsense kind of guy.
You'll BOTH know if his mouthpiece works for you.
If you're a prevaricator (g'head kiddies, lookit up), in love with your own opinion (you are paying for HIS expertise) or determined to spend too damn much money on a mouthpiece - stay home.
If you're willing to listen to someone who is effectively giving away years of serious study (his mouthpieces are no more expensive than stock Vandoren stuff), take the trip.
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