 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: alaes
Date: 2023-09-02 01:02
I know that there have been moupiece refacing discussions but most seem to date back at least 5 years so I am begining one anew.
I received my R13 at the tender age of 12 (yes, the instructor thought my playing was worthy of such!). This was in 1965 and some of you might recall that in those days, the clarinet came with a mpc. My instructor at once insisted that I purchase the same mpc as he was using - a BP02 (Bernard Portnoy's middle of the road medium open facing). As far as I remember, it was an easy mpc to play and a year or two later decided to buy a backup. IT WAS NOT AS GOOD! In any event I carried it along and rarely used it. Also in those days there were, at least to my knowledge,no mpc pads as we have today so eventually I created a slight indentation where my teeth would rest.
To make a long story even longer, after about 7 years of playing, I basically stopped playing to pursue college, marriage etc. Occassionally, over the next 45 or so years I would take out the horn and give it brief spin. Recently, during the pandemic, I had it completely refurbished which included someome looking at the mpc. The horn came back playing somewhat better and, as far as the mpc is concerned, it just looked like it had been bored out. It still played fantastic.
During the last 2 1/2 years I decided to buy another BP02, as I learned that Babbit was still making them. Imagine my surprise when I received it and it looked nothing like the 2 BP02's from long ago. Both the side and tip rails were much thicker than the original mpc's. It played somewhat decently (somewhat darker/heavier) but nothing like the more open, easy to blow original. I wrote to the new owner of Babbit and he no knowledge of why the original and the newer differed as he had just bought the company.
I just bought a CVSR and, like the original Buffet, it came with a mpc. I tried it and it was just so-so.
I would like to send my original, excellent mpc and "clone" these other three as I don't know how much longer the original, which I believe has the hard rubber used at that time, will last. I'm, of course, hesitant to relinquish long distance control over these 4, especially the original which I use almost exclusively.
I'm in the Boston/South Shore, Massachusetts area so I would like to know if anyone locally does such work.
Post Edited (2023-09-02 01:04)
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Author: sonicbang
Date: 2023-09-02 12:27
hi Alaes,
please check this thread which was dedicated to collect the list of available refacers.
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=461271&t=461271
Mark
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Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2023-09-02 18:37
I recommend Thomas Carroll in Boston. I brought my then favorite mouthpiece to his shop (A Penzel Muller India Hard Rubber with a very long facing that plays like nothing else I've tried) and he was able to add the same facing to a Chedeville while I waited and created what has become my new favorite mouthpiece. A lot of his work is with early clarinets, but he is also a skilled mouthpiece refacer.
http://www.carrollclarinet.com/mouthpieces
-JDbassplayer
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2023-09-02 23:04
Hi alaes,
I'm the creator of the Refacer Thread mentioned by sonicbang. IMO, being 5 yrs old, I deem it to be rather out dated and assuredly very inaccurate as to pricing.
I looked at the website suggested by jdbassplayer. On the website, he mentions doing adjustments for a nominal fee. This, certainly, is something to check out for your main mouthpiece.
However, as to the other 3, it sounds like what you want is way more than adjustments. In your OP, you mentioned that you actually wanted 3 mouthpieces cloned. Again, IMO, that's a whole different ballgame.
I suggest getting in touch with those who are into making 3D mouthpieces. You might want to get in contact with Ryan who's business name is Pereira 3D Clarinet at info@pereira3d.com. Using this method, to my understanding, doesn't require measurements. High tech machinery basically X-rays a mouthpiece in order for the cloning process to begin.
Good luck with your mouthpieces.
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-09-02 23:52
Might it be worth emailing Ed Pilinger? He's not in New England, but he would probably know what needs to be done and who could do it.
https://pillingermouthpieces.co.uk/
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Author: Ed
Date: 2023-09-03 02:02
Offhand, I don't know anyone around New England, but there are a few people who work though the mail that I would consider. Prices vary depending on who does the work. If I needed work done, I would check out (in no particular order) Brad Behn, Ramon Wodkowski, Dave McClune, Lee Livengood or Tim Wright.
I have seen some nice looking work from Mark Szavin szavinm@yahoo.com who sells mouthpieces from time to time here and on ebay, but he is in Hungary which might make it a bit difficult
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Author: alaes
Date: 2023-09-04 00:23
Thank you all for your excellent recommendations and advice!
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Author: Matt Locker
Date: 2023-10-02 21:03
Does David Speigelthal still do refacing? I had him do a mouthpiece for me a long time ago that has over the last few years become my favorite.
I haven't been here for quite a while so don't know who has come or gone! :(
Thanks.
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