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SCHWENK & SEGGELKE Klarinettenbau | Mundstücke

Mouthpieces and Ligatures

As the mouthpiece functions as the immediate connection between musician and instrument, it is highly subjective. In the following lines, Jochen Seggelke shares his experiences and insights as a clarinettist and instrument craftsman:

Without thorough knowledge of the physical abilities and requirements, as well as the clarinettist’s musical experience, it is hardly possible to recommend the right mouthpiece & reed combination for the player and his instrument which always needs to be taken into account, as well. To be able to receive the best possible consultation, please make an appointment at our workshop! We will gladly help you pick the best combination for you and your instrument!

During your appointment we will proceed empirically: We will suggest a mouthpiece & reed combination, based on your demands and your instrument. After the first spontaneous sound experience, we then vary the parameters to find the optimal combination for your needs.

Important fact: There are more than two alterable parameters! All parties involved need to stay concentrated and must not lose sight of the outline. My ground rule is to avoid extreme parameters regarding to reed strength, tip-opening and table length.

When it comes to period clarinet, he always observes the effort it takes the player to get a sufficient amount of air into the instrument, without it being too physically straining.

In the 19th century, the focus was set on vocal flexibility, even without the incisors directly touching the mouthpiece (e.g. double lip embouchure). Combinations from that particular era, despite having been tonally good, would be too quiet for today’s standards. However, the approach was much healthier. When the price for good tonal quality is an array of lip, jaw and neck problems, we ought to take a step back.

All mouthpieces on sale here at SCHWENK & SEGGELKE, receive a refinish according to Jochen Seggelke’s guidelines. The inner bore will be reworked as well as the edges checked and refinished if necessary. On demand, changing the tenons from German to French and vice versa is possible.

Especially the mouthpiece’s bore significantly influences the clarinets intonation ratios. Changing your instruments mouthpiece & reed combination can change its pitch, as well.

The ligature influences the mouthpiece & reed combinations enunciation and tone colour. If you would like to learn more about the tradition and technique of tying string around the mouthpiece and reed, take a look at our clarinet hacks:

Mundstücke und Blattschrauben

Clarinet Hacks with Jochen: Episode 2

Thema: String Ligature

Clarinet Hacks with Jochen: Episode 7

Thema: Changing a mouthpiece cushion


Prices

Our current prices for the products mentioned above can be found here.




Should you be interested in a new mouthpiece & reed combination,
please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team will gladly help you find the best fit!
For further information on our reeds please click here.