The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Checking mpc table/curve accuracy

Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2005-12-26 00:07

Are you having any problems with your mouthpiece? Does it seem resistant or just isn’t playing as well as you think it should?

Some time ago, I ran into a web article that was talking about some basic characteristics of clarinet mouthpieces (http://www.foglietta.de/UK/Itip4.htm). The really interesting part of this short article was the section located close to the middle labeled: “Now, how do you check the quality of your mouthpiece in practice?”

I have been using this method and personally have found it to be astonishingly accurate in determining table flatness and facing symmetry. A mouthpiece measuring glass which is normally thick and absolutely flat would work the best. I just got through using this method to check a mouthpiece that seemed a bit resistant to me and found that the only truly flat section of the table was from about 8mm below the window to the beginning of the facing curve. When I pushed on the middle of the table where the base of the reed actually rests, the glass actually “pulled away” from the facing starting at the bottom of the window all the way up!

I have found that tracking symmetry with this method is extremely easy and accurate. It’s really interesting to watch the thin, dual lines travel up the rails as the mouthpiece is “rolled” onto the glass.

So, if you’ve been experiencing some difficulties with your mouthpiece or would like to have a very accurate method of checking out table flatness and facing curve symmetry on new mouthpieces that you might be trying out, may I strongly suggest that you try this method. IMHO, you will not be disappointed!

Post Edited (2005-12-26 05:25)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics