 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: William
Date: 2002-08-19 16:32
I was just playing my Chicago Kaspar next to my (customized) WoodWind G8 and noticed that the blanks of both are practically identical. In fact, the three lines on the G8 coincide exactly to the outer lines on the Kaspar, and if you added the middle fourth line to the G8 between the two bottom lines, their lines would be identical. Also, the length, circumference and general configuration of both blanks is similar--my legature fits both without adjustment. Also similar is the length of the lay. Could it be that the Kaspars simply refaced WoodWind blanks like so many current mouthpiece "experts" are re-facing Zinners??? Is it possible that Kaspar and WoodWind both used the same blanks?? Just wondering............
Also, concerning the new V12's. In a recent experiment, I used a VD reed cutter to reconfigure the tip and round the corners more like the older V12s, and found an improvement in their performance. Has anhyone else tried this proceedure?? Results???
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2002-08-19 17:27
William...Concerning the "flatter tip" Vandoren reeds:
Yes - rounding the corners does make a diffeence in the response and playability of these reeds. For me, it has now become standard procedure. However, other small adjustments become necessary as well to retain the proper profile. This is almost becoming too much of a chore and not worth the effort, as the recent quality of cane has dropped off so significantly that the reeds seem not as dense and become mushy very quickly. Lots of work with little return.
I still cannot comprehend as to why the tip shape was altered by Vandoren. Are they trying to disguise their cane quality problems - which by now is becoming quite apparent with many clarinetists openly voicing their concern.
Lately, for me (and many of my colleagues), the Gonzalez reeds are the reed of choice. Their quality, consistancy, and most importantly - listening to their customers needs, is a refreshing change. Let's hope they are able to survive and thrive, and not get too big that they forget who their customers are...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: John Moses
Date: 2002-08-19 19:25
Hi:
Frank Kaspar used his own blanks, but often would reface a new or old blank as needed.
He copied my Kaspar Eb mouthpiece onto a new (in 1962) Selmer HS*, and the results were astonishing! I use the Selmer/Kaspar on all my recordings and studio work because it records better than anything else.
The "old man" was a genius with mouthpieces, even when his hands began to shake. He could reface any mouthpiece, or start from scratch, and make something custom fit any player who came to see him.
Good luck with your Kaspar,
JJM
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Daniel
Date: 2002-08-19 21:03
Frank Kaspar (the younger) used at least a couple blanks. Later in his career he used Babbitt blanks when the Chedeville company went belly up. Some people, like my teacher, prefer the later blanks by Babbitt. It's probably that the WW G8 mouthpieces were Babbitt blanks (and maybe the same that Kaspar used). My teacher used a G8 while he was at Eastman, and then got onto Kaspars. So it's possible that's why he likes the Babbitt bank Kaspars so much.
I'm sure a search of the Klarinet archives would clarify the mp blank issue. I don't know much about the Woodwind lines.
Daniel
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: HAT
Date: 2002-08-19 23:56
FWIW, most people prefer the older blanks. Some people don't even want to deal with Kaspars marked "Cicero" because so many of them are Babbitts.
Don't shoot me, I am just relaying the views of others.
David Hattner, NYC
www.northbranchrecords.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Dow
Date: 2002-08-20 15:49
I agree with Hat on the Cicero's--- and these seem to be the most prevelant for resale. The two I have are Cicero's and aren't in very good shape.
I would also say right off that Smith does a good job on his 13 copy of the Kaspar and these are a viable alternative over the older green Kaspars that are sometimes posted on Ebay.
The blank is a powerful component of how good your mouthpiece will play so don't hesitate in trying the Smith's.
As far as the V12's I use a Cordier reed clipper to correct the tip and found that this has helped my reeds play much better. I also like some of the Zonda Classico cane as well, but found that it has less fliexibity over the Vandoren cane.
Again on the Kaspar's the main thing is if you find a G8 Woodwind mouthpiece you could have it refaced by an expert and have the same results or practically similar to that of the 13 or 11 facing which you desire...just some ideas....Sincerely DD
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Aaron Diestel
Date: 2002-08-20 19:05
This goes to the "new" vandoren tip. I ahve been very unhappy with the new tip. I along with GBK am going with the Gonzalez reeds lately (along with some of the other studnets at my university) I did a recent tone/sound test wtht the Gonzalez and Vandoren reeds. I played the for fome other students in a blind test and the results were pleasing.
What was noticed was a great difference in the tonal production between the vandoren and gonzalez reeds. A good outcome on the side of the Gonzalez reeds. I find the vandorens to be more of a harsh, brittle sound, and the Gonzalez to have a more "3 dimentional" sound. More depth and robustness. These were the opionions of the other students here.
Vandoeren turned me away by making the switch. So now I've made a switch to Gonzalez.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
