 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Maestro_6
Date: 2009-10-15 20:28
After trying 8 models of very different professional mouthpieces with 3 and 3.5 Vandoren Traditional strengths, I settled on a J&D Hite Model "D." I originally had to begin on a 3. Oh, what a great mouthpiece it is.. so much flexibility and response, in disregard to a harder-blowing low register. However, it is surprisingly resistant with my 3.5's which is the size that fits me best. I've adjusted strength and embouchure enough so the difference isn't stiff anymore. My teacher owns an older Hite that looks like the same dimensions, though I'd need about a size 3.5/4 for his mouthpiece. So, I'm wondering if the break-in process of my Hite D mouthpiece would make it less resistant.
Just to add, I previously used a Gigliotti P, and when I tried one of the new Gigliotti P's at the shop, it was resistant as well. However, the difference in tip opening is only .02 mm between the two, and both my older Hite Premier (1.09 mm compared to the D's 1.04 mm) is less resistant as well as my Gigliotti.
Thanks in advance!
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2009-10-15 22:56
My feeling from what I've heard is that the masters Gigliotti and Hite have both passed away and the quality on the new ones is not the same as it used to be. I also wonder how Morgan mouthpieces are now from Junkdude after he passed away and the price doubled.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2009-10-15 23:07
I have found (owing much to the advice on this board from Tom Puwalski) that "breaking in" has to do with finding that perfect point at which to take in a specific mouthpiece (related to LENGTH of the lay).
Play an open "G." Now, keep taking in more mouthpiece until it squawks. Just come back slightly from there, and THAT'S the perfect spot for THAT mouthpiece.
Following this idea, you should be able to get most mouthpieces to work for you in a matter of one practice session.
...........................Paul Aviles
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2009-10-15 23:17
About 4 months before Hite died (suddenly) he asked me what I thought was going to become of the Gigliotti Mouthpiece business since he had passed on.
I don't think that the current Hites are as good as when David worked on each one of them.
The Gigliotti's MP went downhill several years before he died. I was friends with the couple who were doing the measuring of the mouthpieces when they came in, and they would complain that they were all over the place and getting worse. That was when Tony G was still living @ home with Amelia (so in the early to mid 80's).
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: djphay
Date: 2009-10-26 00:43
You might find it makes a difference to move from a traditional Vandoren 3.5 to a Vandoren V.12 strength 4, which is the same comparative strength, but made from thicker, less dense cane that should work better with the facing on a Hite.
I'm using what is most likely a 'new' Hite D post David Hite's death. I have an older D but owing to youthful inexperience ended up gouging a groove into the baffle from using one of those chimney-sweep things to clean it. The new one does feel different, and seems to take slightly softer reeds than my original one (I'm flitting between v12 3s and 3.5s). It's still an improvement on my previous mouthpiece, although I'm sure since Hite's death they've lost a certain something.
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Author: Maestro_6
Date: 2009-10-26 02:08
The new Hites, as I've discovered, do take a softer reed. However, I was able to adjust very well to this point. As a new report, I did try different cuts from Vandoren and a couple Oliveri's I had laying around. First off, I've never been a fan of the V12 cut on account of the harshness, inconsistencies, and less focused tone compared to Traditionals. Then, I tried some 56 Rue Lepics a + size higher than my Trads. (3.5+ compared to 3.5)
Viola! A fitting reed.
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Author: djphay
Date: 2009-10-26 20:19
That's interesting, Maestro, I've just made the switch from 56 Lepics back to v12s! Although in fairness I might have tried a 3.5+ Lepic if I could have tried one.
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2009-10-30 11:22
David Hite pieces are now made at Babbitt..who are doing a very good job. The kicker for me is they are now a bit resistant and don't seem to have the same tonal character as before.
I have about 5 older Hite D facings and a newer one recently purchased. The newer one has a good sound but seems to be slightly less flexible and maybe even to dark for my own taste...that being said they are fine and very good for students. I talked a good deal with Mr. Hite about his mouthpieces and was lucky enough to have him send personally a few to select and test. The key element for me was the center to the sound but being flexibile...my big test for any mouthpiece is the first movement of the Saint Saens Sonata when the clarinet does the 12ths and follows up with triplets...
Hites mouthpieces in this spot react so well to air flow..they make this spot much easier...
On one occasion Mr. Hite told me one key to any good Custom mouthpiece is the finishing process which he stated
" careful adjustment of rails and inspection of the countours of the rails and their regularity". I was quite surprised at not only how frank he was but also that there were no mysteries involved in making a good mouthpiece. David Hite was always open and answered any question...he also felt mouthpieces should never be overpriced.
As to the Babbitt Hites they seem to play well but are more stuffy and resistant so ....they are not finsihed in the same manner whatsover.
I just don't think they match up so well to the older original Hites..
.therefore they are something of a knockoff.
I will also add though if your new Hite works well and sounds great then you defintely may have a great mouthpiece. I suspect that among some of the Babbitt Hite's may also be a couple of real jewels...so don't stop using it!!!
Or as the saying goes "If it works then use it!"
David Dow
Post Edited (2009-10-30 11:25)
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