Walter Grabner
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Clarinet Mouthpiece Facings Explained Let’s get this straight right from the beginning – Regarding the tip opening: 1. A more open tip requires a “softer” reed. 2. A closer tip requires a “harder” reed. Regarding the facing length: 1. A shorter facing length requires a “softer” reed. 2. A longer facing length requires a “harder” reed. These two factors work together in this way: 1. A close tip and a long facing length would require the
“hardest” reed. 2. An open tip and a short facing length would require the
“softest” reed. It is amazing how much confusion there is over this. (Also, reeds are not hard or soft, they are more or less resistant depending on how they are made and the nature of the particular piece of cane)
Now we can discuss facings! What is the “facing”? · The curve of the window of the mouthpiece, in which the reed
vibrates · Allows control and dampening of the reed by the embouchure · Expressed as a series of numbers · Numbers describe the resistance curve and tip opening Importance of the facing · Dictates how the reed will vibrate · Dictates strength of reed required · Dictates position of the lower lip · Influences tone · Influences attack · Influences speed of articulation How is it measured? · System developed by Eric Brand Company · Used universally · Measures points of “distance” of reed from mouthpiece · Tip and four “points” on smaller mouthpieces · Tip and five “points” on larger mouthpieces · Basically plots a curve which you can graph
▪ Almost always a smooth curve ▪ Can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. ▪ Must be accurate or can cause MANY problems ▪ Closer vs. more open TIP ▫ Closer - reed requires harder tip ▫ More open - reed
requires softer tip ▪ Longer vs. shorter FACING LENGTH ▫ Longer - harder reed ▫ Shorter - softer reed ▪ Combinations ▫ Close/long (most “symphonic”) ▫ Open/long ▫ Close/short ▫ Open/short (Jazz
mouthpiece) · Facings are widely misunderstood · A person can play on a wide variety of facings · Symmetrical vs. asymmetrical debate ▪ Reed requirements ▪ Effect on tone Examples of typical facings
Other Exterior
Features of the Mouthpiece
· Window
Length – Generally 30 to 34 mm – same as reed “vamp length” – why? · Window
Width - critical ▪
At base – approx. not so important ▪
At Tip – totally critical, affects
tone and response drastically ▫
11.8 to ▫
12.0 · Tip
Rail ▪
Critical for security of tone
production ▪
Affects tone quality ▪
Integrity of surface critical – must
be flat ▪
Wide – darker/slower ▪
Narrow – brighter/faster ▪
Too narrow - SQUEAK ▪
Polishing VERY important · Side
Rails ▪
Integrity of surface critical – must
be flat ▪
Thickness not as important IF window
is wide enough ▪
Too thin can cause instability
(squeaking) ▪
Polishing VERY important · Table ▪
Establishes the flat plane for the
reed ▪
Critical to the integrity of the
facing ▪
Can cause problems if warped or
“humped” ▪
Can warp with use ▪
Flat vs. Concave – a debate |
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