 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Andy
Date: 2009-02-20 14:28
I know we have covered these mouthpieces before, but having just invested in one I thought I would share some thoughts.
My position at Howarth of London (who I do not represent here) does let me try many of the fine mouthpieces on the market, and I have tried all available models in the UK of Fobes, Grabner, Smith, Johnston, Lomax, Vandoren, Pomarico, Bay, Selmer, Nagamatsu and Bari, also working with some of these makers. While all of these makers produce fine mouthpieces that suit many players, even after two years of trying new mouthpieces I hadn't changed from my Greg Smith Cicero that I have played on for 8 years.
Ramon's work though has been gaining praise from many fine players in the UK and abroad, so when he offered me the chance to try his new facing I jumped at it. Partly because of my job and partly because having viewed many of his mpc's before, I knew it would be quality work, even if it wasn't for me.
Well, he didn't disapoint. Simply, it is the finest mouthpiece I am yet to play and have switched to it without hesitation. I was slightly reserved about posting, as I have seen many players switch mouthpiece for a honeymoon period and then move back to their old one, so I have kept quiet about it until I now as I am certain it is the right move. I think that Ramon's ability as an expectional clarinettist shines through in his making, as he had spoken to me many times and heard me play on occasion so he knew what I was after.
While from what I gather Ramon's mouthpieces are not commercially available yet, I would highly reccomend seeking him out to do personal work as his knowledge and ability make him a true master of his trade.
I'm not sure who else has had experience of working with Ramon but I would be interested in any other thoughts of his work.
In the past couple of weeks I have also had the opportunity to try some work he has done refacing others mpc's, mainly zinner blanks, and I must say the work there is also of the highest quality.
Andy
Post Edited (2009-02-21 09:28)
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Author: antaresclar
Date: 2009-02-20 21:52
I couldn't agree more! I have been playing on one of his mouthpieces since he made one for me when we were both living in New Haven, CT about 6-7 years ago. Without a doubt his mouthpieces are fantastic!
Garrick Zoeter,
Ana Lee Van Buren Asst. Prof. of Clarinet
The Shenandoah Conservatory
Clarinetist, Antares
www.antares-music.com
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Author: Andy
Date: 2009-02-21 09:35
I'm not sure of the exact tip opening but it is a rather open lay, similar to what Martin Frost uses, as Ramon has just spent time working him. I have his other facings but found this one to be best for me. Of the other lays he does on a regualr basis I have found the Richard Hosford style lay to be very responsive for me too, but the one I purchased to me just sings with such clarity over the entire range I couldn't resist.
Andy
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