 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: d dow
Date: 2002-11-22 12:43
I have two Opperman facings from the mid 80s which I bought off a student of Mr. Opperman. One has his signature, and the other does not, and both are from the same style blank..
I was wondering does Opperman always sign his mouthpieces? Both play identically and sound great....
(I know that my two kanter A facings are signed and serial numbered and this is common practice)....
does anyone know why this Opperman is unsigned? I use it orchestra sometimes (the unsigned one)and just thought maybe an Opperman student may know what its about?
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-11-22 15:10
David -
Kal uses many types of blanks. When he's satisfied with a mouthpiece, he signs it by hand on the back near the bottom, using an electric vibrating stylus. It's possible that he forgot to sign your mouthpiece, particularly if the original owner approved of it, took it off and put it in his case, but that would be very unusual.
His signature varies, because he obliterates any existing markings, and he does everything free-hand. Sometimes it goes across, sometimes diagonally, sometimes up and down. On his larger mouthpieces, such as bass clarinet, he often signs his name on the table of the mouthpiece.
He does not use serial numbers.
While he will make a close, medium or open facing on request, he does not use facing numbers.
His standard facing is medium or slightly open. He uses feeler gauges, but everything is done by hand, and the final adjustments are determined by playing, not measurement. Also, he makes corresponding adjustments in the baffle and the width of the side and tip rails. Everything is interrelated and often adjusted to the individual player, barrel and instrument, with the player in his studio trying each change.
I've found that his mouthpieces play best using a double lip embouchure.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Meighan Stoops
Date: 2002-11-23 16:12
Just FYI, I have three mouthpieces made by Mr. Opperman. He didn't get around to signing the last one he made for me. He was very happy with it though and I think it just slipped his mind.
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Author: d dow
Date: 2002-11-26 03:21
Dear Ken and Meighan Thanks for the posts, I really appreciate the great responses. This a great board....
Sincerely
David Dow
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