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Kasper MP's

Author: reed and MP dude
Date: 2012-12-01 07:16

Well there are Kaspers in Ann Arbor and I think Chicago.

Are they the same? Or is one city better than the other city?

Are the Chedeville molds the same as the Kasper's?

Thanks for your help. I have 2 Kaspers from Ann Arbor and they look the same but one plays a lot brighter. I'm trying to figure out why. Yes the facings are the same. The ligature lines are the same. - confused!

A and Bb r13's new.
Bb r13 1963 backup
Vandoren 56
Ciaccia custom mouthpiece
1.07mm facing amazing mouthpiece
2 Kaspers as spares

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Re: Kasper MP's

Author: William
Date: 2012-12-01 17:05

No two mouthpieces will play exactly the same--even Kaspars. The "Cicero" or "Chicago" models, made by Frank Kaspar, are preferred over the Ann Arbors, made by Frank L. Kaspar--not the same person, but of the same family (father son I think). Also, I think the finest Kaspars were made from Chedeville blanks by the Cicero Frank. Many pro's preferred the #11 facing that played "like" a #13 , or vice-versa. I am content with my Chicago #14. However, that's only because it allows me to play like I want to. You may have different needs and that is why you must find the mouthpiece--not necessarily a Kaspar, Chedeville or whatever--that plays best FOR YOU. For most of us, the search for the perfect mouthpiece is never over, but then, perhaps those of us that are "satisfied" have simply learned to play the mouthpiece we have. In the end, rely more on practice than on equipement. Have fun.........

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Re: Kasper MP's

Author: Ed
Date: 2012-12-01 17:27

There is some good info here:

http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/MBL/Kaspar.html

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Re: Kasper MP's

Author: reed and MP dude
Date: 2012-12-01 18:45

Hi William and Ed,

Another question if I may? One of the Chedevilles is shorter in length. Could this have been a very early design? Actually about 1/64th of an inch. The other Ched is about the same as the Kaspers.

I was trying to figure out why the Kaspers were so different. I'm not playing on either on them, but the background knowledge sure makes sense now. I didnt know about the Frank L Kasper and the Frank Kasper names were 2 different people.

I'm more of a collector of mouthpieces including 2 Chedevilles.

Again, I don't play these, I'm using another MP I like a lot. However I carry the Kaspers with me on tours and Master Classes for people to test and have fun with educational conversations. Needless to say I don't think we can say the name of the other mouthpiece I use for fear of going against board rules.

Thank you for your kind information. Clark Forbes essay explained a bit about the 2 people and the different blanks used. It's still a bit confusing but it's surely fun reading.

A and Bb r13's new.
Bb r13 1963 backup
Vandoren 56
Ciaccia custom mouthpiece
1.07mm facing amazing mouthpiece
2 Kaspers as spares

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