Klarinet Archive - Posting 000592.txt from 2000/10

From: "Gregory Smith" <Gregory@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical Facings
Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2000 15:42:46 -0400

----- Original Message -----
From: "Clark W Fobes" <reedman@-----.com>
Subject: [kl] Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical Facings

<<<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. >>>

I do not ignore Kaspar's asymmetry, I simply prefer his symmetry. (There are
also *degrees* of asymmetry as you know.)

My experience with Frank Kaspar (Chicago/Cicero) mouthpieces are that of the
many originals I have played and measured (hundreds), the ones that by far
play the most beautifully for me are symmetrical. My intention has always
been to replicate the best of what I have played in the orchestra and offer
a similar style to my clients. If asymmetrical plays the best for you,
terrific. I simply don't experience asymmetry as being as responsible for
the Kaspar "sound" as perhaps you do.

Sure, we have all played at one time a slightly asymmetrical facing perhaps
without knowing it. I have found that one generally accomodates the
asymmetry through reed selection and adjustment, and accomodations with the
embouchure. However there is a point of diminishing returns and I personally
don't prefer or think it wise or practical to go in that direction as a
matter of course.

I do know that Frank Kaspar aspired to - no, was almost fanatical about,
putting on symmetrical facings. Bill Brannen and Rick Sayre who worked
closely with him at differing times of Kaspars' life have told me many times
about this. Whether he acheived this with consistency is another question.
So many things figure into this problem such as individual measuring gauges,
glass, style of measuring, grip, eventual facing wear, etc, that a small
portion of this asymmetry is accounted for in my mind. (There are also
*degrees* of asymmetry as you know.)

I also know that in measuring my teacher Marcellus' collection of Kaspars 20
years ago (including the one he was playing, purchased in 1968) that they
were by far much more symmetrical mouthpieces than asymmetrical. If one is
to believe Tom Ridenour, Elmer Aiello (who launched the whole project of
copying Marcellus' Kaspar by the Woodwind Co.) and Everett Matson, who
worked on (amongst others) Harold Wrights' Chedevilles, the goal was always
symmetry even if it meant correction later to acheive the symmetry.

It simply was not the goal to produce asymmetry.

<<<The makers who use Zinner blanks understand that the depth of that blank
and the lack of material in the slope of the baffle requires a relative
short, close facing. (Unless they are willing to lap the heck out of the
table to bring the baffle up). >>>

But most importantly, because of the concavity in the table of this type of
Zinner blank, the final playing characteristic is one of a medium length,
medium tip mouthpiece.

<<<<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. Clark w Fobes>>>

This is why I extensively hand work each aspect of the mouthpiece including
the bore, chamber, facing, etc. As they are made, they are played and
meticulously tested for optimum voicing, tonal depth, focus, timbre, eveness
of sound and response and ease of articulation. I do not find good results
in simply refacing Zinner blanks. After all, they are only
blanks....although very good ones to be sure!

All the best,

Gregory Smith
=========================
Clarinetist
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Mouthpiece Handcraftsman
=
2737 Hurd Avenue
Evanston, Illinois. 60201-1209 USA
1.847.866.8331
1.847.866.9551 (fax)
Email: Gregory@-----.com (NEW)
Website: WWW.gregory-smith.com
=========================

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org