Klarinet Archive - Posting 000589.txt from 2000/10

From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical Facings
Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2000 15:39:25 -0400

At 10:19 AM 10/11/2000 -0700, you wrote:
>First, regarding asymmetry. I have measured at least 25-30 original Kaspar
mouthpieces that have not been refaced. Without exception they are
asymmetrical facings. I am puzzled that Greg offers a "Kaspar" mouthpiece
that does not have an asymmetrical facing. IF players are still searching
for that "Kaspar" sound in a mouthpiece one cannot ignore the fact that
these mouthpieces were predominantly asymmetric.

Excellent..........I didn't know this. But......hold it! My Kaspars are
not asymetrical - and one of them was purchased by my father from Mr.
Kaspar himself. Hmmmmmmm.......

Did he (they - since there were more than one Kaspar) do both kinds?

>If one knows what he/she is looking for there is a lot to be learned from
observing the baffle style used by both Kaspars. I really believe the
genius of these two men was the understanding of baffle shape and bore
dimension as well as carefully finished facings.

I feel lucky that I began my research on mouthpieces and mouthpiece design
with the Kaspar mouthpieces - it was completely coincidental, yet it really
impacted on my thoughts about mouthpieces making. I had no idea the
Kaspars employed such a large number of asymetrical facings.........

Sincerely,
Roger Garrett

Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director, Symphonic Winds
Head, Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University
School of Music
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
(309) 556-3268

"A man never discloses his own character so clearly as when he describes
another's."
Jean Paul Richter (1763-1825)

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