 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2007-02-05 16:13
I've searched on this site and can get bits and pieces of my questions so here it goes.
In clarinet mouthpiece design I'm trying to determine the qualities for what makes a dark but centered tonal quality mouthpiece versus a brighter and spread tonal qualities.
And, which mouthpieces out there may fit the varying design qualities.
Tom Ridenour seems to have a good general guideline on the tonal qualities but I would like to extend that a bit further with more information (if possible) and some possible examples.
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/interior.htm
I've been expanding my mouthpiece collection, but if I knew the qualities I was looking for I figured that I could just look at some of the characteristics and determine if it fit into the category, or better yet, know which ones fit into which category.
This may seem like a simplistic (or daunting) question but I know with sax mpcs I can look at it and know the approximate tonal characteristics that I would get with it. I'm trying to develop that same knowledge on the clarinet mouthpiece.
Of course, there are many variables such as mpc material, reed, ligature, oral cavity, etc and I really want to only look at the mpc and basically say that all others are equal for this question.
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2007-02-05 16:52
Hi Steve,
Great subject! I suggest that you talk with Walter Grabner. Here's a link to his web site -- http://www.clarinetxpress.com/ . I am deeply impressed with the Grabner Kaspar-style mouthpieces. I have the K11 and K14 models (with a K2e on the way). Both of them have a stunningly beautiful dark ringing sound. I cannot help but think that the dark sound you described in your message is what comes out of a Grabner Kaspar.
Good luck!
Roger
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Author: mk
Date: 2007-02-06 01:36
I would suggest starting with a course in physics...accoustics deals with the science of sound....there was a book published titled: "The Accoustics of Music" that simplified things for non-science majors...It has been years since I have seen it and I'm not sure if it is still on the market. The math is quite elementary and it does a fairly good job explaining exactly how science exams sound, etc.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2007-02-06 01:59
Just my experience here, but I don't think clarinet mouthpieces break down that easily.
I assume that what you're talking about for sax mouthpieces would be the difference between a rubber mouthpiece and one of those skinny metal guys with the permanent doohicky on the baffel that mimics the old danceband sax player's wad of gum.
With clarinet mouthpieces there are so many competing elements that work together in a complex acoustic design dance that make nailing down a "this is IT," virtually impossible.
My latest example is (again) with Vandoren. I found a recent combo I adore, M15 with Nr 4 Rue Lepics. I thought it might be nice though to find a Vandoren that plays just like that but accepts just a bit more air. Well I found the key to my problem in the latest M13 (non lyre version) but found much to my dismay that the sound was much brighter, even though all the "other factors" besides the lay seem to be the same.
Go figure.
................Paul Aviles
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2007-02-06 02:46
Just when you think you have it figured out......something comes along that proves that you do not.
Viz....Look inside a Behn Vintage Model A. The throat appears narrow, the baffle is not all that terribly deep, and the walls seem fairly close together. Yet it has coloration usually ascribed to deeper baffles and wider walls.
And what of the M30 vs the M15. These are very different products of the same manufacturer. They differ in the shape of the rails, internal design, and facing, yet there are players who sound great on each.
Maybe its the coffee.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2007-02-07 02:39
I searched and found that same article. Some great reading. Some mpc makers have some good basic reading too.
Looks like i'll start with the basics and then head to the music store and compile some basic info about mpcs internal design and play test them. I'll see where it leads me .......
==========
Stephen Sklar
My YouTube Channel of Clarinet Information
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