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Re: mouthpiece question

Author: Brad Behn
Date: 2007-04-27 14:19

I don't think you will have trouble finding a mouthpiece that works well with your clarinet. Even though many of those older Evette-schaeffer clarinets had slightly smaller bores than current Buffets the differential isn't enough to cause much or any concern. Most likely your clarinet will function with any modern mouthpiece design. Additionally, many refacers or re-manufactures of mouthpiece blanks should be able to give you the personal attention necessary to find a terrific option that has been custom crafted to work with you and your clarinet. Indeed there are many choices out there and that can be scary, but the way I see it the clarinet community is well served by such diversity and you can use your need to find a spare mouthpiece as an opportunity to learn something, grow as a player, and find a setup that works better than before.

The way I see it, there are several factors to consider. First, it is very important to keep in mind your concept of sound and the way you play. There are many different options out there and that is a good thing. The challenge is for you to find the option that works best for you. Second, intonation is very important. If you tend to play flat for instance, you would be better served with a higher playing mouthpiece...or on the other hand, if you tend to play sharp, a lower playing mouthpiece would be a better choice. Many mouthpiece craftsmen offer slightly lower and higher options and Vandoren offers lower playing mouthpieces in their “13” series. Third, the feel of how the mouthpiece responds and works with you to create a stable yet flexible playing experience is very important.

In other words, you are in a good place to find a mouthpiece that works for you. Your equipment is not unusual nor does it require anything unique. I would recommend trying any option/s that interest you and see for yourself. You may be very impressed with what is out there these days and you may find such merit in the current crop of mouthpiece offerings that perhaps you will like them better than your main mouthpiece.

If you decide to have your mouthpiece adjusted, that is possible as well. But it is important that you contact a qualified mouthpiece custom-refacer to do the work. This is highly specialized work and requires someone with a lot of experience as apposed to an instrument repair tech with very little understanding (this is a pet peeve of mine as I have seen far too many mouthpieces ruined by the hobbyist refacer or instrument repair technician with too much conceit).

So, the bottom line is that even though you may have been told that your clarinet has an unusual bore, or a small bore, it should work with any contemporary mouthpiece available today. There are however differences in voicing and intonational characteristics between makers and therefore it would be beneficial for you to try the various offerings to experience for yourself which one/s may work best for your particular tonal concept, playing style, and intonational requirements.

Good luck

Brad Behn
http://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com

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