Why I Prefer Synthetic Reeds with Richard Hawkins

"When synthetic reeds came out I was extremely excited because I wanted to make my playing consistent from day to day." - Richard Hawkins
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About the Vocalise Mouthpiece:
Outstanding artist. Renowned educator. Master craftsman. Words and praise that are often bestowed upon Richard Hawkins. After decades of collecting, observing and crafting mouthpieces for many of the world’s finest artists, Hawkins collaborated with Backun Musical Services to develop a series of mouthpieces with tonal ring and clarity that will change the course of mouthpiece history.
Designed at Backun using advanced CAD/CAM software and tested with 3D printing technology, the mouthpieces are crafted on a highly advanced nine-axis CNC machine and finished in a unique done-in-one machining program that combines the milling and lathing processes without the need for a second setup or recalibration. This results in an exceptionally consistent mouthpiece that stays true to the original design.
Each mouthpiece helps the player centre articulation, pitch and altissimo, with impeccable ease and consistency of voicing. It is the first mouthpiece of its kind specifically designed to play well on both synthetic and cane reeds, in strengths 2.5 to 4.5. Articulation Management allows players to capture the appropriate length of articulations for different styles without increased effort. Pitch Locking allows players with varying instruments to lock in on an even pitch range between 440-442 with little variation in barrel length.
Designed for all ages and experience levels, the Vocalise series of B♭ mouthpieces features a model for every player and occasion, all of which belong in your clarinet case. Complex resonance at a reasonable price.
R Model B♭ - Close/Short
Evenness and a focus of sound that sings with ease are two characteristics of this close facing mouthpiece. The R allows artists to articulate with reduced effort, while ringing true with fabulous clarity. This is Hawkins’s choice for young artists looking to step up to a more complex mouthpiece.
G Model B♭ - Medium/Medium
A medium faced mouthpiece that combines exceptional evenness and round tonal complexity. The G has a smoother influence on interval connections just where you need it. An all-around mouthpiece for those who prefer medium facings and lengths.
H Model B♭ - Open/Long
The most open facing in the lineup, the H is both smooth and dark, with ample cushion for those who need more robust flexibility throughout the registers. This mouthpiece gives as much as it takes, requiring balanced breath support and unyielding passion in performance.
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[@billducker7404]

Thank you for this interesting video. I played some synthetic reads in the late 50s early 60s but never got on with them I have never played a modern synthetic reed although I bought my eldest son who is 20 A Legere European cut Reed last week and I like to see how we gets on with it. A few years ago a student turned up playing a synthetic Reed and I thought it sounded good but a couple of weeks later she was back on the king reeds. It's strange the world is growing away from plastics yet the world of woodwind is embracing them. It's our own choice is the same with instruments we should be living in the world choose the instrument that suits you I'm not just the one that your teacher played on or everyone plays on! Sounds a very individual thing and I think it often comes from the early stages of playing and you have that in your head I grow up with the sound of the Boosey and Hawkes 1010 clarinet but in 1970 changed to the buffet clarinets initially on the S1 then swap to the R13 and for a short while theRC Instruments which I like to hear other players play but it did not have the edge which I like in the clarinet especially for orchestral playing. In 2008 I bought a pair of Peter Eaton clarinets which in my opinion or unsurpassed. It's all a matter of personal taste I was very influenced by my late teacher James Joseph of the Northern Sinfonia Orchestra in the UK. Thank you for this very interesting and thought provoking video - God bless you and yours - Bill - UK

[@richardhawkins2647]

Just wanted to say hello!

[@backunmusical]

Hello! :)

[@osbourneburnett184]

Yes ! Great points. I love the consistency of synthetic reeds.

[@reichlinsmall9765]

I agree, and am *first!*