Ridenour mouthpiece facings share certain common features. They are characterized by a perfect symmetry and are voiced by means of a seamless blending of the mouthpiece curve that creates the ideal relationship between response and the "cushioned feel" highly prized by serious clarinetists. Ridenour facings are super reed friendly and most players find many more reeds play well for them and that reed adjustment is simplified with Ridenour mouthpieces.
Model RA Mouthpieces
The Model RA mouthpiece has a double-concave baffle similar to the RZ, but a narrower chamber width. This chamber creates virtually effortless focus and precise definition of the tone, allowing great freedom of embouchure and voicing without loss of tonal quality. The bore, also hand reamed, combines with the chamber interior to produce tuning that is somewhat higher than the model RZ, but still low pitched. The outstanding features of the RA are its dark, compact tone, phenomenally efficient and secure response and its excellent focusing qualities. All these combine to make it the preferred model for the orchestra or band clarinetist who must produce large amounts of tonal volume without loss of center or quality in the tone.
MT-36 Facing: The MT-36 facing has a medium close tip opening with a long curve and works best for most players with higher strength, well-balanced reeds. The MT-36 facing is our most popular facing and the one most suitable for the widest range of playing situations.
T-40 Facing: Characterized by a very close tip opening with long curve, the T-40 facing requires a very well-balanced reed that has lots of wood in it. The T-40 style facing has an excellent combination of resistance and responsiveness, enables the clarinetist to play with great sensitivity and control in the upper register and produces a very deep, covered, yet clear tone, requiring very little embouchure pressure to focus and control.