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C Clarinet Mouthpieces
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For several years now, clarinetists from all over
the U.S. have sent me their C clarinets. The problem is always similar:
“I love my C clarinet, but I can’t
play it in tune.”
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It’s true that sometimes, acoustical work needs to be done, or a
barrel replaced. But frequently, the problem lies in the mouthpiece. While I
encourage clarinetists to try to use their regular Bb/A mouthpiece on the C,
frankly, some of the deep chambered mouthpieces that we love on the Bb and A
cause unavoidable problems on the C clarinet, especially in the throat tone
range. Often, I have been able to
“cure” or mitigate these problems by selecting one of my
CXZ_AW_PERS mouthpieces. The shape of the windway and the depth of the
chamber really help stabilize the tuning on many C clarinets.
Order mouthpiece - CXZ_AW_PERS
If you have a Noblet C clarinet, the throat
tones are normally FLAT - order a CXZ_K2e
Price - $195, plus shipping and IL state tax (If a resident of IL)
Want to try them?
First review
the Trial Rules. Click here:
Second, send payment:
To use the Shopping Cart:
1.
Major credit cards and PAYPAL are accepted.
2. Both Shipping (domestic and
Int’l) and State sales tax are calculated
3. Click
here to purchase.
OR:
To pay by check, send the appropriate amount, as
above, plus $6 for shipping in the U.S. (USPS Priority Mail) or $11 for
international shipping. Illinois residents must add 8% for Illinois State
Sales Tax ($15.60). Make your check or money order payable to “Walter
Grabner”.
OR:
To pay using a credit card, you
may call me direct at 847-266-8644.
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From a post I made to the woodwind.org clarinet list ,
on 6/04/07:
As far as I can determine, all C clarinets currently in
production have a bore size that accepts, or shall I say requires, a normal
Bb/A clarinet mouthpiece. In terms of bore size. I do know at one time,
some C clarinets were made with a smaller bore, in a scaled down manner as
one would expect when viewing the difference between an Eb clarinet and a
Bb clarinet. I believe Kohlert made such a
clarinet in the previous century.
One might argue that the compromises inherent in a design that allows the
same mouthpiece to be used on the Bb, A, and C clarinets will have too many
problems on any of the instruments. However, that seems to be the decision
made, in aggregate, by the various manufacturers.
One of the big problems with C clarinets is the relative instability of the
throat tones. There is no uniformity here between brands. Many C clarinets
seem to have throat tones that want to go very sharp. Pulling out can
"fix" these notes but make other areas uncomfortably flat.
Various mouthpiece combinations can help, but the solution is going to be
brand specific. There can be no one "C clarinet mouthpiece" that
solves all the problems across all brands/models.
Some of the top level professionals who use C clarinets recommend using the
same mouthpiece as the Bb and A. Fast switches are easier, you do not have
to contend with a dry reed at a crucial moment, and you do not have to have
separate reeds.
However, if the C clarinet you buy cannot be played in
tune with your Bb/A mouthpiece, other solutions might be necessary.
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products and services. To
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