Klarinet Archive - Posting 000215.txt from 2000/02

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Wells - Stowell - Schneider Mouthpiece
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2000 12:52:18 -0500

In a message dated 2/4/00 12:10:57 AM Central Standard Time,
reedman@-----.com writes:

<<
Wells was a well known mouthpiece maker in Chicago and was contemporary
with the Kaspars*. Stowell ( Jerry or Gerry?) was the assistant principal and
Eb player with the Chicago Symphony during the Reiner era. I believe he and
Clark Brody were in the orchestra at the same time. Schneider was the money
behind the trio. At some point there was a major falling out and I think
Wells just went his own way and contemned to make very good mouthpieces on
his own. I understand that he worked at a place called the "Sax Shop" in
Evanston until just a few years ago. I believe he is now dead. >>

The "Sax Shop" is also known as Evanston Band and Orchestra, and is doing
quite well, the owner, Ralph Black, playt alto with us recently, in a
performance of Milhaud's "Creation". Yes, Wells, worked there, and he is
deceased.

<<. At one time JJ. Babbitt Co. made blanks for Wells. They are easy to
identify because of the odd shape of the window. They "squeeze" in
dramatically near the base of the window. >>

I've seen these. Interesting. Doesn't seem to effect the sound negatively.

<< I recently found out from a very good source that the Kaspars were not
Uncle and nephew as I had originally thought, but they were cousins! >>

That's what I had heard. I actually met Frank L. Kaspar, years ago. John
Mohler sent me to him to have a mouthpiece made. Sadly, Mr. Kaspar was quite
aged and infirm, and the mouthpiece was, at best, so-so.

I have a friend, in the Evanston Symphony, who plays on Chicago/Cicero
Kaspar. Not surprisingly, she has a lovely sound. She's going to come over
and we're going to have a fun time measuring her mouthpiece.

I know, it's an odd way to get your kicks............

Thanks for the info Clark.....

Walter

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