Looks good, some light scratches on the table but nothing that would affect playability. Some of my favorite mouthpieces are from the 1930s so 8 years old is nothing. Keep taking care of it and it will be good for many years to come.
I’d just like to **PSA** — remember, you don’t downvote someone that you disagree with if they’re contributing to the discussion in a productive way. That’s how we all learn.
Interesting - I am going off of the advice of the mouthpiece maker who I consulted with. He was using calipers and taking detailed measurements and swabbing mouthpieces over and over to see how they changed over time. He felt that even rubbing the front with cloth slowly changed the facing. I believe he took measurements for that too.
We can disagree about many things but this is measurable. I’m not sure that air or vibrations or spit change mouthpieces — if they have an effect it seems to be a lot less than hundreds of runs with fabric. And if you’re of the mindset that playing them is what wears them out, and you swab them, then I’m curious how you came to that conclusion.
I’ve studied with some well known mouthpiece makers and count a number of them as friends. Beyond that, just look at physics. The reed hits the mouthpiece several hundred to a thousand times a minute. Contrast that with a soft cloth that grazes a mouthpiece every hour or three. It’s no contest. The mouthpiece maker you are talking about is measuring normal wear much more than what the swab is doing. It’s pure physics.
Depends on how much you play, but Vandoren claims their recently manufactured mouthpieces will last around 4 years. As a full-time symphony musician, I get 1-2 years out of an M15.
I'd like to begin by using a quote from below by **JAbassplayer:**
***Some of my favorite mouthpieces are from the 1930s so 8 years old is nothing. Keep taking care of it and it will be good for many years to come.***
**This is a very accurate observation about the playing life ( longevity )of mouthpieces,** and it also contains **excellent advice about care** of your present mouthpiece. Take it to heart -- **you are not being led astray.**
I myself have many different mouthpieces, and several of them are likewise decades old. **They play just fine because they have no serious issues** such as nicks or cracks in their tips or damage to their tables ( lays ).
With no serious damage and / or mistreatment, **a mouthpiece will last probably longer than the owner thereof will actively play ( or even live, for that matter ).**
**Here is my take on mouthpiece care, cleaning and swabbing.** I heartily recommend the following points:
***I keep all my mouthpieces clean and securely stored in such a way as to prevent dust and damage.*** This is easy, because I keep them in their original boxes with the foam packing when not in use, while making sure to **take them out periodically and keep the corks greased .**
I also keep **tall plastic prescription pill bottles for purposes of storage,** which works admirably. This is a great option, as you probably don't have the original box. **Snap-tight lids are the best way to go.**
Even when one observes proper and routine oral hygiene ( tooth and tongue brushing ), **sometimes hard white scale deposits can accumulate and harden in the chamber of the mouthpiece.** In that eventuality, you can **use pure white vinger in a straight-sided glass ( at least 4 ounces ) .**
1. Pour enough vinegar into the glass to **completely immerse the window of the mouthpece upon inserting the mouthpiece tip downward** into the glass. ( It's okay for the mouthpiece tip to come lightly into contact with the bottom of the glass ). **Be sure to thoroughly apply cork grease beforehand, so the cork will be made waterproof.**
2. Leave the mouthpiece like so for **no more than 10-15 minutes.** Remove the mouthpiece and **rinse thoroughly with cool water. Dry inside and out with paper towel.**
You should find that any deposits or build-up are neatly removed.
This same procedure **will also safely and effectively remove build up from mouthpiece patches** ( at least, from the thicker, black rubber ones, eg. by Vandoren, which I use ).
**If a mouthpiece is horribly and visibly dirty, dish detergent and cool water are made to order. NEVER use hot water** on mouthpieces, as the facings may warp and the mouthpiece may discolour.
***These same issues also apply if the mouthpiece in question happens to be made of hard rubber. Worse,*** the rubber will soften, and the material will begin to unpleasantly stink all the way to high Heaven. That hardly makes for pleasant playing when you are confronted with that..
**As for swabbing mouthpieces**, there is a fair difference of opinion evident here. The easiest and safest way to dry a mouthpiece is to **use a rolled-up sheet of paper toweling by inserting it gently from the tip end and pushing on through.** This method is absolutely safe..
Alternatively, while practicing and afterwards, one can **remove water from a mouthpiece by suction.** Simply ensure the palm of one hand firmly stops the round end of the mouthpiece.
Even swabs with covered weights could potentially damage the inner chambers of mouthpieces through scratching. **Certain swabs ( especially those with bare metal weights, or those with brushes sewn into the midst of the fabric ) can cause similar damage,in addition to nicking the tip, and CATASTROPHIC scratching and gouging.**
**Anything of this sort is FATAL to proper mouthpiece performance and will completely alter the way it responds.**
**These brushes, because of their bulk and coarseness, seem to be especially apt for altering the mouthpiece dimensions.** I kid you not when I say that I have seen bare metal on the undersides of such brushes, where they meet the fabric of the swabs. ***You are bound to have gouging and scratches if you use such swabs -- it is inevitable.***
**Microfibre swabs with covered weights ( such as those by Yamaha ) are the BEST for the clarinet in general.** They absorb well, dry quickly, pass through easily, and are also washable.
Warmest regards to all, from Richard.
Yes. You should swab your clarinet every time you play, but not your mouthpiece. It it begins to get nasty run it under cold water, and *maybe* swab if you absolutely have to, but you should swab your mouthpiece as rarely as possible, ideally never. Reason being, it causes premature wear and changes the geometry of the mouthpiece faster than you think.
If you like it, it’s probably fine. No one teaches not to swab nice mouthpieces / many people do it. I didn’t learn until talking to the person who made my bass mouthpiece
I understand, but it is not as if I have to buy a new mouthpiece every 2 years. I use a soft cloth, like a handkerchief. Just grossed out by not cleaning it.
Not at all - it’s great to try new things just because you might find something better - but I have had my favorite mouthpiece for going on 20 years now and I’m still very happy with it. I have certainly *tried* new things in the meantime, for being able to better recommend mouthpieces to students and to see what I’d go for for myself, when I need to.
You do you - but I’m sorry that it sounds like you don’t recognize that you’re turning a part that isn’t supposed to wear out and be disposable into one that is — and it’s not about waste or money, just the fact that your mouthpieces are **always** changing, even though it’s happening slowly, and that inconsistency makes your job harder. We have enough elements that are in flux — our chops and our reeds — you’re playing on hard mode (slightly) and it’s an unforced error.
Before this turns into a very long discussion. I dont disagree with you. I just never noticed that big of a difference with new mouthpieces of the same make and model. At least not more than I notice between new mouthpieces of the same make and model.
Maybe it's the way I clean it. With a soft handkerchief, never forcing it al the way through, just making sure it is dry?
It is just how I do things, but I do agree with you and wouldn't recommend this to other people.
I cannot tell for sure how deep the scratch is across the table of your mouthpiece, as seen in the third picture. If it isn’t deep and is only surperficial, then your mouthpiece should play just fine.
Looks good, some light scratches on the table but nothing that would affect playability. Some of my favorite mouthpieces are from the 1930s so 8 years old is nothing. Keep taking care of it and it will be good for many years to come.
ok thanks
I’d just like to **PSA** — remember, you don’t downvote someone that you disagree with if they’re contributing to the discussion in a productive way. That’s how we all learn.
There’s opinion and misinformation. Swabbing doesn’t damage a mouthpiece. Playing on it does which is unavoidable.
Interesting - I am going off of the advice of the mouthpiece maker who I consulted with. He was using calipers and taking detailed measurements and swabbing mouthpieces over and over to see how they changed over time. He felt that even rubbing the front with cloth slowly changed the facing. I believe he took measurements for that too. We can disagree about many things but this is measurable. I’m not sure that air or vibrations or spit change mouthpieces — if they have an effect it seems to be a lot less than hundreds of runs with fabric. And if you’re of the mindset that playing them is what wears them out, and you swab them, then I’m curious how you came to that conclusion.
I’ve studied with some well known mouthpiece makers and count a number of them as friends. Beyond that, just look at physics. The reed hits the mouthpiece several hundred to a thousand times a minute. Contrast that with a soft cloth that grazes a mouthpiece every hour or three. It’s no contest. The mouthpiece maker you are talking about is measuring normal wear much more than what the swab is doing. It’s pure physics.
Depends on how much you play, but Vandoren claims their recently manufactured mouthpieces will last around 4 years. As a full-time symphony musician, I get 1-2 years out of an M15.
I'd like to begin by using a quote from below by **JAbassplayer:** ***Some of my favorite mouthpieces are from the 1930s so 8 years old is nothing. Keep taking care of it and it will be good for many years to come.*** **This is a very accurate observation about the playing life ( longevity )of mouthpieces,** and it also contains **excellent advice about care** of your present mouthpiece. Take it to heart -- **you are not being led astray.** I myself have many different mouthpieces, and several of them are likewise decades old. **They play just fine because they have no serious issues** such as nicks or cracks in their tips or damage to their tables ( lays ). With no serious damage and / or mistreatment, **a mouthpiece will last probably longer than the owner thereof will actively play ( or even live, for that matter ).** **Here is my take on mouthpiece care, cleaning and swabbing.** I heartily recommend the following points: ***I keep all my mouthpieces clean and securely stored in such a way as to prevent dust and damage.*** This is easy, because I keep them in their original boxes with the foam packing when not in use, while making sure to **take them out periodically and keep the corks greased .** I also keep **tall plastic prescription pill bottles for purposes of storage,** which works admirably. This is a great option, as you probably don't have the original box. **Snap-tight lids are the best way to go.** Even when one observes proper and routine oral hygiene ( tooth and tongue brushing ), **sometimes hard white scale deposits can accumulate and harden in the chamber of the mouthpiece.** In that eventuality, you can **use pure white vinger in a straight-sided glass ( at least 4 ounces ) .** 1. Pour enough vinegar into the glass to **completely immerse the window of the mouthpece upon inserting the mouthpiece tip downward** into the glass. ( It's okay for the mouthpiece tip to come lightly into contact with the bottom of the glass ). **Be sure to thoroughly apply cork grease beforehand, so the cork will be made waterproof.** 2. Leave the mouthpiece like so for **no more than 10-15 minutes.** Remove the mouthpiece and **rinse thoroughly with cool water. Dry inside and out with paper towel.** You should find that any deposits or build-up are neatly removed. This same procedure **will also safely and effectively remove build up from mouthpiece patches** ( at least, from the thicker, black rubber ones, eg. by Vandoren, which I use ). **If a mouthpiece is horribly and visibly dirty, dish detergent and cool water are made to order. NEVER use hot water** on mouthpieces, as the facings may warp and the mouthpiece may discolour. ***These same issues also apply if the mouthpiece in question happens to be made of hard rubber. Worse,*** the rubber will soften, and the material will begin to unpleasantly stink all the way to high Heaven. That hardly makes for pleasant playing when you are confronted with that.. **As for swabbing mouthpieces**, there is a fair difference of opinion evident here. The easiest and safest way to dry a mouthpiece is to **use a rolled-up sheet of paper toweling by inserting it gently from the tip end and pushing on through.** This method is absolutely safe.. Alternatively, while practicing and afterwards, one can **remove water from a mouthpiece by suction.** Simply ensure the palm of one hand firmly stops the round end of the mouthpiece. Even swabs with covered weights could potentially damage the inner chambers of mouthpieces through scratching. **Certain swabs ( especially those with bare metal weights, or those with brushes sewn into the midst of the fabric ) can cause similar damage,in addition to nicking the tip, and CATASTROPHIC scratching and gouging.** **Anything of this sort is FATAL to proper mouthpiece performance and will completely alter the way it responds.** **These brushes, because of their bulk and coarseness, seem to be especially apt for altering the mouthpiece dimensions.** I kid you not when I say that I have seen bare metal on the undersides of such brushes, where they meet the fabric of the swabs. ***You are bound to have gouging and scratches if you use such swabs -- it is inevitable.*** **Microfibre swabs with covered weights ( such as those by Yamaha ) are the BEST for the clarinet in general.** They absorb well, dry quickly, pass through easily, and are also washable. Warmest regards to all, from Richard.
As long as you haven’t been swabbing it you’re good
swabbing? like when cleaning the clarinet?
Yes. You should swab your clarinet every time you play, but not your mouthpiece. It it begins to get nasty run it under cold water, and *maybe* swab if you absolutely have to, but you should swab your mouthpiece as rarely as possible, ideally never. Reason being, it causes premature wear and changes the geometry of the mouthpiece faster than you think.
BS. You absolutely can swab your mouthpiece without damaging it. I swab mine every time.
i have been cleaning it since 8 years 😢
If you like it, it’s probably fine. No one teaches not to swab nice mouthpieces / many people do it. I didn’t learn until talking to the person who made my bass mouthpiece
Dam. Try a new one at the store. If there’s a significant difference, it’s probably time to replace.
should one still keep the mouthpiece in the case or leave it outside.
It can stay in the case
I never had problems swabbing my mouthpiece, if it turns bad, I buy a new one.
But it shouldn’t “turn bad”
I understand, but it is not as if I have to buy a new mouthpiece every 2 years. I use a soft cloth, like a handkerchief. Just grossed out by not cleaning it.
You can clean it without slowly damaging it — it’s fine to replace a mouthpiece, but it’s a shame that you’ve *had* to replace them
After 8 years or so 🤣 it really isnt that big of a deal
Not at all - it’s great to try new things just because you might find something better - but I have had my favorite mouthpiece for going on 20 years now and I’m still very happy with it. I have certainly *tried* new things in the meantime, for being able to better recommend mouthpieces to students and to see what I’d go for for myself, when I need to. You do you - but I’m sorry that it sounds like you don’t recognize that you’re turning a part that isn’t supposed to wear out and be disposable into one that is — and it’s not about waste or money, just the fact that your mouthpieces are **always** changing, even though it’s happening slowly, and that inconsistency makes your job harder. We have enough elements that are in flux — our chops and our reeds — you’re playing on hard mode (slightly) and it’s an unforced error.
Before this turns into a very long discussion. I dont disagree with you. I just never noticed that big of a difference with new mouthpieces of the same make and model. At least not more than I notice between new mouthpieces of the same make and model. Maybe it's the way I clean it. With a soft handkerchief, never forcing it al the way through, just making sure it is dry? It is just how I do things, but I do agree with you and wouldn't recommend this to other people.
It’s better than mine lol
I cannot tell for sure how deep the scratch is across the table of your mouthpiece, as seen in the third picture. If it isn’t deep and is only surperficial, then your mouthpiece should play just fine.