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So, I have been in the process of trying to move back into a bigger mouthpiece lately, something more along the lines of what I used during my orchestra career (I guess I have missed some of the fatness of sound, soft control, and low register sharpness. It turns out that, at least for me, some of those things get to be a little more of a struggle on smaller equipment). This attempt to go into a bigger mouthpiece, though, has proven more difficult than one would think.
I played the mouthpiece that I won the principal job in Chicago on (a Mt. Vernon 1 1/4C if you are curious), but all I was left with is wondering how I ever managed to win that job playing on that mouthpiece (it tends to ride a bit high… yeah, just a bit). Anyway, I am going through my collection of larger mouthpieces — not finding what I want — when I get a voicemail from my good friend Rod Mathews. On this mesage Rod mentioned to me that he finally got a copy of the recording of me playing the Furtwangler Symphony No. 2 with the CSO, and he mentioned how much he enjoyed my playing on that recording (How nice is that, anyway? To call up your buddy and tell him how much you enjoyed something he did, just because. Very classy.) So I am listening to this voicemail and remembering the CD, when I suddenly remember the mouthpiece I used for that recording, a mouthpiece that I have left inexplicably untried in this process. After hearing the message I promptly dig out the mouthpiece, play a couple of hours on it, and wonder why anyone would ever look for a mouthpiece different from the one in my hands. Now I am no fool; I know that this is only the first practice session on this mouthpiece and that there are bound to be things I won’t like about it after playing on it for a while. However, if it weren’t for a good friend who took the time to send a considerate message, just because, I wouldn’t even have thought of digging it out in the first place.
Yeah, that is what good friends are for, to help you out when they don’t even know you need it. Thanks Rod.
So what was the mouthpiece? (lol)
Glad I could help!
By the way, is it possible to wear out a CD? That recording has quickly become one of my favorites!
Rod
That is a great friend.
Your statement about changing mouthpiece size prompts another question for me, though. With respect to mouthpieces, where do you stand in the classic “play the biggest you can handle” vs. “play the smallest you can still sound good on” debate? In years past I have sided with the former but I am now starting to rethink that.
Changes in our bodies, lives, musical focus, etc. may lead us to change mouthpeices at times. But that change can be a challenge, so I want to be very intentional when making it, thus the question. Thanks much.
- Matt
Matt,
It is an excellent question you ask, and it is one that is deserving of a complete article. However, for now I would say that I fall somewhere in the middle of the two extremes you mention. I look for a mouthpiece that I can play comfortably, but that still allows me to make the kind of sound I need. Sometimes I might have to milk that sound in order to get the facility needed, (whether it is strength, flexibility, etc.) but as long as the mouthpiece is in the right ballpark I find that the sound is there for the taking.
Bottom line, pick a mouthpiece that allows you to do the most things well, including make a sound that is right for your environment.
Regardless, bigger is certainly not necessarily better! It is always relative. Hope this helps.
Craig
Bob,
I would tell you, but then I would have to kill you.
No, actually it is a copy Scott Lskey made of a Mt. Vernon 1C when he worked at Schilke. It has a 1Ch rim and a symphonic backbore (lately I have been hating the symphonic backbores, but on this mouthpiece it works) It is a nice playing mpc. Thank god Rod reminded me of it!
Best,
Craig
That was funny Bob…after reading the article I was wondering the same thing! It felt like a cliff hanger…you might be on to something there Craig! End all of your articles with one of those and who knows the responses you might get!