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

Vandoren Masters Mouthpiece Tuning Rings

Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2015-02-25 18:29

http://shop.weinermusic.com/VANDOREN-TUNING-RINGS-SET-OF-TWO-FOR-MASTERS-MOUTHPIECES-TR100/productinfo/XVTR/

I suppose in theory, (correct me if I am wrong), any method to elongate the clarinet prior to its first vent on the upper (left hand) joint (as in "the vent closest to the sky") will work towards reducing pitch (even if not optimally).

To rephrase, perhaps it doesn't just have to just be the space between the barrel and upper joint that is elongated (in addition sometimes to the space between the upper and lower joint) to achieve flatter pitch. Perhaps creating space between the mouthpiece and barrel can also achieve reductions in pitch in a way that's not worse than upper joint/barrel gaps.

So I suppose the notion of a mouthpiece tuning ring isn't far fetched, if not optimal. But that said, why would they be specific to the Master's line of Vandoren mouthpieces? (Yes, I get that the openings on each side of a barrel are different in size, so I get the size specific mouthpiece tuning ring, I just don't get why it's Masters mouthpiece specific.)

Certainly I can appreciate an M/O Ligature specific to the Masters product line. Given the unique shape of this mouthpiece from its cork to window, and the nature of the delicate double screw on the Optimimum and M/O brand of ligatures that needs to torque each opening in the ligature such that it remains perpendicular to the screw, I get why the Masters specific M/O ligature is the only metal one Vandoren suggests players use on this mouthpiece.

But a Masters mouthpiece specific tuning ring?

By virtue of the fact that Masters and non-Masters mouthpieces all fit into a standard barrel, the Master's mouthpiece tenon is a stardard diameter, right? So why the mouthpiece specific tuning ring?

Is the mouthpiece tenon's length on the Masters product line somehow different?

What, if anything, am I missing? Was it that these rings had specfic purpose before the 13 series line of Masters mouthpieces were introduced, so that players could lower pitch to A=440, beyond, once there, tuning the clarinet at the classic upper joint/barrel site?

Thanks.

Post Edited (2015-02-25 18:37)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics