| Selecting a Mouthpiece – Clarinet and Saxophone
Getting a new mouthpiece is the simplest way to upgrade your clarinet or saxophone.
Entry-level instruments come with a standard plastic mouthpiece. By replacing it with an upgrade model you will extend the length of time with which you will be satisfied with your student model instrument.
A good mouthpiece will be easy to blow, will play in tune, and will be very stable, producing clear tones without difficulty.
Clarinet mouthpieces are usually made of plastic or hard rubber. Saxophone mouthpieces are typically made of plastic, hard rubber, or metal.
A plastic mouthpiece usually is a mass produced unit like the one that came with your instrument. They have a limited lifetime and may warp over time.
Hard rubber is many times more stable than plastic and delivers a clear tone over a longer lifetime than the plastic mouthpiece. The tone that is produced by a hard rubber mouthpiece is also generally more desirable than a plastic mouthpiece.
The tone of a metal saxophone mouthpiece is much brighter and because of how strongly it projects and is able to cut through an ensemble rather than blend with it, is usually used by soloists such as in a jazz band.
When selecting a specific mouthpiece it is important to understand how the various parts of the mouthpiece affect the playability.
Mouthpiece Tip Opening is the distance between the tip of the reed and the tip of the mouthpiece. A narrow tip opening will offer a clear tone and easy response and is recommended for beginners. A wider tip opening will offer more volume and projection, but require more control.
Mouthpiece Bore The diameter of the bore will determine the overall sound you can obtain. A small-bore mouthpiece will give a compact, focused individualized tone whereas a larger bore will produce a darker, less edgy tone.
Facing Length is the length of curve from the point where the reed meets the mouthpiece to the tip of the mouthpiece. Typically short facings will produce a clear, brilliant sound whereas a longer facing will produce a more robust sound with stronger lows. The facing also affects control and flexibility, a long facing will improve flexibility and control.
The staff of Henri’s Music would be happy to assist you with selecting the proper mouthpiece to maximize your playing experience!
| Care and Maintenance of the Violin and Bow
Here is a list of items to be aware of to ensure a long life for your instrument as well as an enjoyable playing experience.
Always keep your violin and bow in the case when it is not in use. Make sure the bow is secured in proper position and that the tension is loose on the hair.
Temperature: Never expose the instrument to sudden changes in temperature or humidity. Do not expose it to the sun. When not in use, store it in a place with moderate humidity, away from radiators or hot air vents. Never leave a violin in a car, especially in extreme hot or cold weather.
Open Edges: Check your instrument regularly to note whether the top or back has become unglued from the ribs at any point. If so, do not neglect this. Bring your instrument in to Henri’s Music Repair Shop immediately.
Cracks: Check periodically for cracks that may develop. Have a repair tech glue the cracks as soon as possible. Keep all polishes away from open cracks.
The Bow
The Stick: Loosen the hair when the bow is not in use. This will preserve the weep and straightness of the stick. Keep it free of excessive rosin and never use polish on the stick. Clean with a soft cloth after each use. The tip of a wood bow is very fragile and can break with a light impact. In most cases, if this happens, the bow cannot be repaired and will have to be replaced.
The Hair: Bow hair becomes smooth from playing. Rosin will not restore its ability to grip the string. When the hair begins to break, it is time to have the bow re-haired. Worn out hair cannot draw a clear, resonant tone. Warm, humid weather causes hair to stretch. It may become too long to permit tightening to give sufficient tension to the stick. If this happens, see a repair tech about shortening or replacing the hair. Never touch the hair with your fingers. Never permit oil or grease to touch it either.
Rosin: Use a fine grade of rosin. Apply it sparingly and evenly, the full length of the hair. Too much rosin will produce a gritty tone. |
