Klarinet Archive - Posting 000001.txt from 2006/04

From: "David McClune" <dmcclune@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Old mouthpiece question
Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2006 09:53:15 -0500

IF...the Buffet blank has three lines on the bottom, some say three
close lines and others say three spaced lines, AND has a C to the right
of the table, then it probably was made by Chedeville. However it is
not the same blank as the "famous" Chedevilles. Those old Buffet
mouthpieces (as with other old French blanks) require a huge amount of
time reshaping the chamber and sometimes reboring to make them play
well. I am speaking of hours of filing and not just 10 minutes! The
chambers are small and the original rubber is different than we have
access to now. That said, the rubber in those mouthpieces are now 40-60
years old. The sulphur is leaching out and the rubber turns brown with
that lovely flavor!

Is it worth it?

I am nearing completion of an old Buffet that plays like a dream. It
belongs to me, but I have cardboard boxes of old Buffets, Noblets,
Selmers, Bonades, and Bundys. When I have spare time (a dream) I
challenge myself by working on one of these. This one Buffet is the
first one that I truly love. The other old mouthpieces of mine I have
worked on are pretty good, but my Zinner work blows rings around most of
them.

These old mouthpieces tend to have a tight centered sound. The sound
is great if you are playing in the 1950 or 60's. However the past
30years we have tended to play with a freer sound and a bit more warmth.
Yet sometimes these old mouthpieces can be warmed up and retain the
center. It is easy to make a really good mouthpiece, however the
magical ones are rare, because...they just are! It it were easy to
make all incredible mouthpieces...don't you think we would!

Yes I sell my modified old French blank (OFB) mouthpieces when I have
them ready.

Good luck

Dave

>>> fgarcia@-----.net >>>
Hello all.
I seem to recall someone telling me that older Buffet mouthpieces are a

good thing to have? Is this true... and why? (I'm thinking the material

they are made from... Chedeville blanks?)
Thanks for your wisdom.
Frank

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