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klezmer set-up

Author: laenloe
Date: 2005-07-14 19:45

I am also starting to delve into Klezmer - and am doing alot of reading about Jewish culture and listening to all kinds of klezmer and other Jewish musics. But, I have do have a mechanical question...

I have a very straight-up, classical clarinet set-up, which is just dandy for classical stuff, but I wonder if it is not making my klez endeavors a bit more difficult. Like, sometimes I think that my mouthpiece may be restricting my tonal flexibility. It's still pretty classical sounding. I have also gone to a lighter reed.

Any suggestions???

Lorie Enloe, Assistant Professor Instrumental Music Education
Lionel Hampton School of Music
P.O. Box 444015
The University of Idaho
Moscow, ID 83844-4015
208-885-0157

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Re: klezmer set-up

Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2005-07-16 16:20

I think there have been other postings on this. While some people prefer a more open mouthpiece (and hence a softer reed) , I end up using my same mouthpiece.

I have played klez with a slightly softer reed than normal. Having said that, it seems I am always in transition between one reed strength and another, and am trying to play klez gigs on harder reeds than I have in the past, which means I am using the same mpc, reed, lig, for everything. This is to counter some endurance issues with softer reeds (really!).

So, the best thing might be to experiment. Try using a reed one half strength softer, or better yet, just take a soft one out of the box, and clip (or whatever you do to it) a little less than you normally would and, see if that works any better. Better, if you have a friend that uses mouthpiece with a different tip opening than yours, bribe them to let you try playing on it.

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Re: klezmer set-up

Author: Tom Puwalski
Date: 2005-09-15 01:54

I play a Berger refaced Zinner A blank with a 103 opening and about 36 first gauge number. I'll play a recital, a recording session and a Bar Mitsva with the same mouthpiece and reed. You don't need anything different play klezmer. A great clarinet sound is a great sound no matter what you're playing with it. Now style, tunes, ornaments and knowing the music is another matter.

Tom Puwalski, former Principal clarinetist with US Army Field Band, author of "The Clarinetists Guide to Klezmer" and clarinetis with "The Atonement" The hottest Klezmer band on the east coast!

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