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Re: Mouthpieces

Author: NBeaty
Date: 2013-04-21 01:36

The tip opening does indeed refer to the distance between the tip of the reed and tip opening of the mouthpiece.

The general rule is the more OPEN the tip, the more resistant, since the reed has to vibrate a farther distance. The more CLOSE the tip opening, the easier it is for the reed to vibrate and therefore less resistance.

The facing length is the other variable that everyone should learn about mouthpieces. It does not indicate the WINDOW, but refers to the point where the mouthpiece starts to curve away from the reed. The number is measured in half millimeters (36 = 18mm), measuring the distance from the tip.

The longer the facing, the more reed vibrating more easily, creating less resistance. The shorter the facing, the more resistance since you have less reed vibrating.

Comparing your M13 to something more open like an M30:
M13: tip opening about 1.00mm and facing length of 38
M30: Tip opening of 1.15mm and facing length of 40.

The M13 will be less resistant since 0.15mm difference is a large difference. The M30 compensates for the resistant tip opening by having a longer facing (although it's still more resistant).

Lighter reeds are used for more resistant mouthpieces, so mouthpieces with a large tip opening and\or short facing. Harder reeds for the opposite.

Most Bb clarinet mouthpieces range from 0.95mm-1.25mm tip opening and 30-40 (15mm-20mm) facing length. There are exceptions of course, but this includes most mouthpieces.

These are only TWO of MANY variables that dictate the way any given mouthpiece functions. These are the two that are very important though and should be learned first, since it gets more and more complicated afterwards.

The best way to evaluate these variables is by trying different vandorens. Since you play a 13 series vandoren, try some of the other 13 series in different facings\tip openings. This is about as "apples to apples" as you can get with mouthpieces.

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Mouthpieces new

tylerharris

2013-04-21 00:01