• From: Port Deposit, MD
  • Registered: 2005-02-05
  • Posts: 146

Topic: trying out new EH bocals---

Not sure which category this belongs in, so I will put it here.  I am in the process of trying out new bocals for my Fox 555 English horn.  It came with the Fox 2 XL bocal, which plays nicely and in tune through most of the register, but I am looking for better response up high--- the extreme upper register is really "squinky".

I am trying out a Dallas #2 and a Hininker B12-12 (I think, don't remember #s as I type this).  My problem is, I really can't notice an appreciable difference over my Fox bocal-- at least I don't think I can.  That's the problem- I can't tell if it's just me trying harder and getting better results over-all, or what.  The bocals are expensive enough to not want to buy one if I can't really tell the difference.

How much difference did an upgrade bocal make for you?  Was it an appreciable difference (very evident), or does one just gain a little extra performance at the margin?

I hope I'm not too confusing here.  I just want to know how much difference to expect from one bocal to the other, so I can tell if I need to keep trying out more bocals for the added edge.

Thanks-
Darlene

Darlene

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  • From: New England
  • Registered: 2006-11-21
  • Posts: 18

Re: trying out new EH bocals---

I went through the same ordeal earlier this year.  The bocal that came with my EH was a very lightweight no-name piece.  Although it seemed to have a decent sound, I knew that with a better one I might have a much better sound.  So I called up Tom Hiniker and he sent me nine to try.  None seemed to change my sound appreciatively.  I played them for my teacher and she agreed.  So he then sent me three others with a different set-up.  These seemed to make a bigger difference, and I chose one to buy. 

Just last night, after not playing my EH since I bought the new bocal, I played both bocals on the same reed.  I can definitely now hear and feel a larger difference.  The Hinker gives me a fuller and sweeter tone; although my no-name, while not as nice, still delivers a perfectly acceptable sound.

So for me, a bocal upgrade, while it did change my tone, did not make a huge difference.  Now, I am a sax doubler and double reeds are not my first instruments.  Also, I play on a mid-range Linton, which may not be fully honoring the subtle delights of the better bocal; both these factors probably come into play. 

But I will just say that bocal hunting is like buying a new instrument--you gotta keep trying different ones until you find one you like.  And by all means play them for a teacher to get an objective opinion on the sound.  Also have the teacher play them, if they think that might help.

Last edited by jaysne (2006-12-03 18:46:01)

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  • Registered: 2006-02-25
  • Posts: 39

Re: trying out new EH bocals---

Hi, Darlene,

I have a 28 year-old Loree EH.  Over the years I've only changed bocals three times, most recently to a Laubin 2.    Like you, I was trying to solve a specific problem when I went looking for a new bocal.  What worked best for me was to arrange for 30 minutes in our auditorium with musician friends out in the audience.  I would play an excerpt on my current bocal, again on the trial bocals, and then ask my friends for their feedback.  The importance of this method was to find out what was carrying out into the hall.      What seems marginal where you sit may be very distinct out in the hall, and that will help you determine if you're gaining enough to warrant the expense. 

Best of luck.

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