Hi, It is good to hear someone talk without prejudice about these mouthpieces. I first got one a few years ago directly from Backun, I expected more advice at the time because I really did not know which I needed and since G seemed to suit and it was in the middle (sort of) I got that and have been disappointed ever since, I will soon get the H, so thanks Josh for your views.
I saw an interview with Richard Hawkins on the Clarineat podcast talking about these mouthpieces where he said he deliberately didn't want to make a big deal about the dimensions because people obsess over them too much, and all of the mouthpieces play similarly well with similar strength reeds. I understand where he is coming from, but I do wish there was a little more clarity on what actually makes these mouthpieces different then. I'm glad you found this video helpful for that!
It would be lovely if mouthpieces were more like guitars and made for playing in certain genres. What I really want is an orchestral, ensemble, jazz/klezmer, and one with an piezo barrel pickup for electronic effects. From dark and bright acoustic to electric with effects.
Thanks for this review. However you made me curious about your mouthpiece with which you make your comparison. May I know which mouthpiece and reed combination you are using?
If you perform with or audition for a high level “professional“ group, they will choose intonation over “color” 99.9% of the time. That’s why we see a lot of players winning positions with dark (non-overtone) sounds then in the past. But you can do both … just more unnecessary work 🫣
…a nuanced and helpful perspective to add to one’s approach to mouthpieces! Thanks, Josh!
I’m glad it was helpful!
Hi, It is good to hear someone talk without prejudice about these mouthpieces. I first got one a few years ago directly from Backun, I expected more advice at the time because I really did not know which I needed and since G seemed to suit and it was in the middle (sort of) I got that and have been disappointed ever since, I will soon get the H, so thanks Josh for your views.
I saw an interview with Richard Hawkins on the Clarineat podcast talking about these mouthpieces where he said he deliberately didn't want to make a big deal about the dimensions because people obsess over them too much, and all of the mouthpieces play similarly well with similar strength reeds.
I understand where he is coming from, but I do wish there was a little more clarity on what actually makes these mouthpieces different then.
I'm glad you found this video helpful for that!
It would be lovely if mouthpieces were more like guitars and made for playing in certain genres. What I really want is an orchestral, ensemble, jazz/klezmer, and one with an piezo barrel pickup for electronic effects. From dark and bright acoustic to electric with effects.
There is a little bit of that. For example the Vandoren 5JB is a “jazz” mouthpiece, but it definitely isn’t quite the same as guitar.
Thanks for this review. However you made me curious about your mouthpiece with which you make your comparison. May I know which mouthpiece and reed combination you are using?
Yes! I typically play a Ramon Wodkowski 1 with the D’addario Evolution 4.
I like the “H” the best. ☝🏻
Me too!
If you perform with or audition for a high level “professional“ group, they will choose intonation over “color” 99.9% of the time. That’s why we see a lot of players winning positions with dark (non-overtone) sounds then in the past. But you can do both … just more unnecessary work 🫣
That’s a great point!